The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on Monday installed a former Federal House of Representatives aspirant for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Tosin Alabi, as the new Mogaji of Oloko family compound in Oja’gbo, Ibadan.
The installation ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, witnessed the gathering of prominent traditional rulers, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Mogajis, Baales, family members, friends and other traditional stakeholders.
In his charge to the newly installed Mogaji, Oba Ladoja urged Alabi to uphold the integrity, dignity and cultural values of Ibadanland, warning him to shun any activity capable of bringing the traditional institution into disrepute.
The Olubadan, who spoke through the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, congratulated Alabi on his installation and urged him to discharge his responsibilities with integrity, humility and commitment to the growth and development of the Oloko family compound.
Oba Ladoja described the new Mogaji as an ambassador and representative of the Olubadan institution, stressing that his conduct must at all times reflect the dignity and values of Ibadanland.
“You are my ambassador wherever you are. Consequently, you should key into my vision of taking Ibadanland to a greater height,” the monarch said.
The Olubadan further charged the new Mogaji, who is a lawyer and cyber security expert, to preserve, protect and promote the rich traditional and cultural heritage of Ibadanland.
According to him, the primary responsibility of every properly installed or coronated traditional ruler is to uphold, preserve and promote the cultural heritage and values of the people.
He therefore urged Alabi to see his new position not merely as a title, but as a responsibility to the people, the Oloko family and the broader traditional institution of Ibadanland.
The ceremony was attended by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Ashipa of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azeez; and Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
Representatives of the Iyalode line, Mogajis, Baales and other traditional stakeholders were also present at the colourful ceremony.
Hon. Alabi was accompanied to the palace by members and descendants of the Oloko family, as well as his parents, relatives, friends and well-wishers.
Following the completion of the palace ceremony, the newly installed Mogaji, Tosin Alabi Oloko, proceeded to the Oloko family compound with his loved ones, where he was received with drums, music, dancing and widespread jubilation.
The reception at the family compound further added colour to the historic occasion as members of the Oloko family performed the necessary traditional rites to formally receive their new Mogaji.
The descendants of the Alabi Oloko family expressed immense joy over the emergence of Alabi as their new Mogaji, describing him as a young, brilliant, humble and respectful personality whose character and achievements have brought pride to the family.
They expressed confidence that his youthfulness, intelligence, humility and commitment would contribute positively to the unity, progress and development of the Oloko family compound.
For Alabi, the new position comes with a responsibility to serve as a worthy custodian of the family’s heritage while contributing to the preservation of Ibadan’s rich cultural identity and the advancement of the Oloko family.
The installation therefore marked not only the conferment of a traditional title, but also the beginning of a new responsibility for Alabi to serve his family, uphold the values of Ibadanland and support the vision of the Olubadan institution.
