Mogaji Akegbe Appeals to Olubadan to Caution Ibadan Mogaji Association Over Political Statements

Mogaji Jubril Alabi of Akegbe Compound, Sapati Opooyiosa, Ibadan, has appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Olubadan-in-Council and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) to caution against public statements capable of creating unnecessary tension and division among Ibadan stakeholders.

Mogaji Alabi made the appeal in a statement following a press release issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, by Mr. Hakeem Ayilara and his group, calling on CCII to review the selection of Mogaji Gbolagade Moshood Akere as Chairman of the Ibadan Week Committee and consider what the group described as a “neutral and apolitical” personality.

The group had reportedly questioned Akere’s suitability for the position on the basis of his political involvement and support for a political candidate.

However, Mogaji Alabi said the argument was unnecessary, stressing that every son and daughter of Ibadanland has the right to freedom of speech, freedom of association and the right to support any political leader or political party of their choice.

According to him, Mogaji Akere’s political preference should not be confused with his responsibility to promote Ibadan culture and heritage.

“Every Ibadan son and daughter has the freedom to support any political leader of their choice. That is our right as citizens,” Alabi stated.

He stressed that Ibadan Week, now known as the Ibadan Cultural Festival, is a cultural heritage belonging to all sons and daughters of Ibadanland and should not be turned into a political platform.

“When we bring politics into our cultural matters and make public calls that can cause division, it can bring insult and problems to our land.”

Mogaji Alabi said Ibadan has historically been known for peace, tolerance and accommodation, urging stakeholders to protect that reputation by ensuring that political disagreements do not escalate into conflicts within the traditional and cultural structures of the city.

He particularly appealed to the Olubadan and other senior Ibadan stakeholders to intervene before the situation develops into an unnecessary crisis.

He urged the relevant authorities to call Mr. Hakeem Ayilara and all parties involved to order and encourage them to exercise restraint in their public statements.

Alabi also appealed to stakeholders to allow CCII to carry out its responsibilities without unnecessary public pressure that could further deepen disagreements among Ibadan people.

He maintained that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the unity of Ibadanland.

“We can disagree politically and still remain brothers. We can support different candidates and still celebrate our common heritage.”

He further cautioned against unnecessarily dragging the revered institution of the Olubadan into partisan political disagreements, saying the traditional institution should remain a unifying force for all Ibadan sons and daughters.

According to him, the Olubadan remains the father of Ibadanland and should be respected and protected from political controversies.

Mogaji Alabi concluded his appeal with a message to all stakeholders:

“Politics will come and go, political parties will come and go, governments will come and go, but Ibadan will remain. We must therefore protect the peace, unity, dignity and cultural heritage of our land.”