The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has charged traditional rulers in Ibadanland to take a more proactive role towards addressing kidnapping and land grabbing in the State.
The Olubadan made the call during a meeting with council members and the Association of Royal Highnesses of Ibadanland at his palace.
This was contained in a press statement signed in Ibadan on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga.
According to the statement, the monarch noted that criminals like kidnappers and land grabbers often have insiders helping them, implying that some locals are involved in these crimes.
He said, “We are here principally to discuss the issues of insecurity, sustenance of traditional authority, and land-grabbing menace that are giving us sleepless nights. You are installed as the Royal Highnesses to primarily protect the life and property of your subjects in your domains.
“Don’t give excuses that you don’t know the hideouts of the kidnappers, land grabbers, and other criminals in Ibadanland. The aforementioned group of people couldn’t perform their atrocities without your knowledge and support.
“I charge you all to give serious attention to how these atrocities can be reduced to the barest minimum, if not totally eradicated.
“You will be held responsible for crimes committed by these unscrupulous elements you harbour in your areas of jurisdiction,” Ladoja warned.
The Olubadan urged the Royal Fathers to disseminate the message to all the Baales and Mogajis in their various domains for necessary actions to be taken.
He also expressed concern over abandoned, dilapidated buildings being used by miscreants to perpetrate evils in Ibadanland.
He, however, warned that the abandoning of family compounds by some traditional rulers to go and settle down in their estates or abroad will no longer be accepted.
The Olubadan added that the traditional rulers have a duty to visit their family compounds and villages to rebuild them in consonance with the present Olubadan programme of urban renewal.
Responding, the Chairman, Association of His Royal Highnesses in Ibadanland and Oniladuntan of Laduntan, Oba Adebowale Adeyemi, reiterated members’ solidarity in building a new Ibadanland.
He further appealed to the traditional rulers to work together to create a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous community.