By Adeola Badru

The Mogaji (family head) of Omotara Okugbaja compound in Ita Baale area of Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Chief Oladejo Moruf Rufai, has issued a strong warning to his kinsmen and other indigenes of Ibadan against the indiscriminate sale of land without the necessary family approval.

Rufai delivered the message during a meeting with the descendants of Omotara Okugbaja held yesterday at Okugbaja village in the Ona Ara Local Government Area.

The gathering included prominent family members such as Pa Adeleke Adediran Okugbaja, Pa Abidoye Olubode, Pa Safiriyu Oduola, Madam Olaseni Olubode, Madam Sadia Iyiola Okugbaja, Pa Rasaq Olantiwo and Mama Suebatu Abidoye Olubode.

Since being installed as Mogaji by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Rufai has been committed to addressing issues within the community.

At the inaugural meeting, he expressed deep concern over the alarming trend of family members selling land without obtaining prior approval.

He urged his kinsmen and fellow indigenes of Ibadan to ensure that any land sale is approved by the family to prevent disputes and unauthorised transactions.

“The purpose of this meeting is to resolve land-related issues and to introduce myself as the Mogaji to all tenants and stakeholders on Omotara Okugbaja land,” Rufai explained.

The Mogaji highlighted the importance of family consensus in land transactions saying, “We discussed how to halt the indiscriminate sale of land by individuals who do not have the authority to do so. Anyone wishing to sell land must first obtain approval from the family head.”

“We are not against the sale of land; rather, we want to ensure that only rightful owners can sell their property.”

“I urge my people and other indigenes of Ibadanland to always seek approval from the family head before selling any land. This will help us tackle the issue of unauthorised land sales and maintain the integrity of our community,” he pleaded.