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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Mogajis (family heads) in Ibadan land have scolded the deputy national chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, over his “disparaging comments” on former governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Sen Rashidi Ladoja.
While featuring on Ibadan-based radio station, Fresh 105.9FM on Tuesday, Arapaja allegedly called Ladoja names, adding that the former governor has no electoral value.
But the Mogajis in a statement jointly signed by Mukthar Adewale Gbadeyanka, Mogaji Adeipo, and Patrick Kayode Ogunsola, Mogaji Anisere, described the outburst of Arapaja as unwarranted and uncalled for.
They noted with dismay the disparaging comments of Arapaja on the Otun Olubadan, describing the comments as an insult to the entire Olubadan-in-Council.
The family heads urged Arapaja to desist from using the names of Ibadan land chieftaincy holders to gain political prominence.
“Olubadan-in-Council is non-partisan. It is father to all aspirants from Ibadan land. It is wrong on the part of any politician to drag any of member of the council in the mud of the nation’s murky politics.
“The Deputy National Chairman, South, of PDP lost his polling unit, ward and local government woefully in the presidential election.
“If he wants to step up his politics and believe he can drag the name of Otun Olubadan in the mud, simply because he wants to use Otun Olubadan’s name to achieve his heart desires from Gov Seyi Makinde, he should be prepared to go into war with the Ibadan Mogajis, Ibadan Chiefs and the entire Ibadan indigenes,” the Mogajis said.