By OLATUNDE AJAYI

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, says that, being a father figure, political aspirants in Oyo State are free to use his name to promote their ambitions.

The Olubadan, speaking with newsmen during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration at his private residence in Ibadan on Wednesday, said he couldn’t deny anyone.

The traditional ruler explained that his current position as the Olubadan does not permit him to stop any aspirant from associating with him.

“All aspirants are free to use my name to promote their ambition, because all of them are my children, irrespective of their political parties.

“My current position does not permit me to deny any one of them,” he said, adding that they are welcome to use his name if they believe it will boost their campaigns.

Ladoja, however, made it clear that his name alone would not determine electoral outcomes.

According to him, the content of aspirants’ programmes and how they present them to the people will be decisive.

“The main thing is that their programme for the people is what will determine their victory, not my name.

“How they sell their programmes to the people will shape their journey,” he said.

On the rising cases of kidnapping in Oyo State, the Olubadan expressed confidence that the government is working to address the situation.

He noted that tackling insecurity should not be left to the state government alone, as it requires the involvement of the Federal Government and the international community.

Ladoja urged residents to remain cautious, especially when sharing personal details on social media.

He said security agencies have assured traditional leaders that efforts are underway and that the challenges will be resolved soon.

“We must understand that government and security agents will not like to discuss what they are doing to address the situation, but I am convinced they are doing a lot on it,” he said.

He also spoke on issues of land grabbing in Ibadan, revealing that at least two mogajis have been suspended over the practice.

The Olubadan clarified that his campaign against land grabbing should not be taken to mean that family heads no longer have rights over their land.

“Each claim must, however, be backed by evidence of ownership,” he said.

Ladoja noted ongoing efforts to resolve many land disputes that had lingered in different courts for over 20 years.

He warned that any mogaji or community head found guilty of land grabbing would face appropriate punishment.

According to him, the palace is committed to ending the practice, regardless of how long it has persisted. (NAN)