Key Takeaways
- The Olufadegin family alleges Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja is imposing a Mogaji candidate, Fatai Omosanjo Amzat.
- The family asserts that the selection of a Mogaji is an exclusive internal family matter, not subject to external influence.
- Two previous elections for the Mogaji position resulted in a victory for Akeem Adeojo, which was rejected, and then a subsequent tie.
- The family claims the Olubadan's alleged action violates established Ibadan tradition and could lead to internal conflict.
- They also suggest the alleged imposition is linked to the monarch's past political differences with the late Mogaji, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo.
The Olufadegin family, a prominent lineage residing in Alekuso, Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, has leveled serious accusations against the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. The family claims the revered monarch is attempting to unilaterally impose Mr. Fatai Omosanjo Amzat as their Mogaji, a move they vehemently oppose and warn could precipitate a significant crisis within their ancestral line.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, Elder Dauda Adesina, speaking on behalf of the Olufadegin family, made a direct appeal to Oba Ladoja. The family urged the traditional ruler to reconsider and withdraw Mr. Amzat’s name from the official list of proposed compound heads slated for installation. They firmly reiterated that the selection of a Mogaji, a crucial leadership role, is an inherently internal family decision, governed by their customs and consensus.
Contested Succession and Internal Elections
The dispute stems from the vacancy created by the passing of the last Mogaji of the Olufadegin family, the late Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo. Alhaji Adeojo, a notable political figure who served as a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party and the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, died on April 4, 2025. His demise initiated a succession contest within the family, primarily between Mr. Akeem Adeojo and Mr. Fatai Omosanjo Amzat.
According to the family’s account, the initial election, meticulously conducted under the supervision of the Mogaji Committee, saw Mr. Akeem Adeojo emerge as the clear victor. However, Mr. Amzat reportedly rejected the outcome, leading to a second ballot. This subsequent election, intended to resolve the impasse, regrettably concluded in a tie, leaving the leadership question unresolved.
Allegations of External Influence and Traditional Breach
The family further alleged that instead of proceeding with a third election to break the tie, one of their elders, Lateef Busari, sought to unduly influence the process in favour of Mr. Amzat. The statement quoted Busari as expressing an intent to leverage his personal relationship with the monarch to ensure Amzat’s emergence, even if it meant direct engagement with the traditional ruler.
The Olufadegin family expressed profound surprise and dismay when Mr. Amzat’s name subsequently appeared on the Olubadan’s list of compound heads designated for installation. They had anticipated that the revered monarch would invite both contestants and key family members for a mediation meeting to amicably resolve the internal dispute, rather than seemingly endorsing one candidate over the other. This action, they contend, constitutes an imposition that directly contravenes the established traditions and customs of Ibadanland regarding Mogaji selection.
Political Undertones and Call for Adherence to Tradition
Adding another layer to the controversy, the family also linked the Olubadan’s alleged actions to long-standing political differences between Oba Rashidi Ladoja and the late Alhaji Yekini Adeojo. They questioned why the monarch would seek to impose a candidate, especially given his past political disagreements with their former Mogaji, urging him to allow the family to find peace and choose its own leader without external interference.
The Olufadegin family’s appeal to Oba Rashidi Ladoja is clear and urgent: withdraw Mr. Fatai Omosanjo Amzat’s name from the installation list. They believe that upholding the family’s right to self-determination in selecting its Mogaji is paramount to preserving peace and preventing an avoidable crisis within their lineage and, by extension, within the broader Ibadan community. The resolution of this dispute will undoubtedly set a precedent for future Mogaji selections in Ibadanland.
Why This Matters
This dispute highlights the delicate balance between traditional authority and internal family autonomy in chieftaincy matters, with potential implications for peace and order within Ibadan communities and setting a precedent for future leadership selections.