New Mogaji Afolabi pledges greater service to Ibadanland
The newly installed Mogaji of the Agunbiade dynasty in Ode Aje Alaadorin Oluyoro Oke Offa area of Ibadan, Chief Tolulope Akinkunmi Afolabi, has described his elevation as an opportunity to
The newly installed Mogaji of the Agunbiade dynasty in Ode Aje Alaadorin Oluyoro Oke Offa area of Ibadan, Chief Tolulope Akinkunmi Afolabi, has described his elevation as an opportunity to expand his service to his kinsmen and the wider Ibadanland.
The legal practitioner made the remarks shortly after his installation by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the Olubadan Palace on Monday.
The ceremony, which attracted family members, friends, kinsmen, and other notable personalities, marked his formal emergence as head of the Agunbiade lineage.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Afolabi noted that he had long been involved in selfless service to his community and Ibadanland at large, adding that his new position would enable him to do even more.
He said his priority would be the implementation of programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of his people and contributing to the development of Ibadanland.
He said, "Prior to becoming Mogaji today, I have been able to make some moves, erecting structures, providing electricity, solar lights, I was able to provide that. There are quite a number of things I intends to do. Quality education, health programmes, empowerment programmes. We will provide different channels for people to live a meaningful life.
"Even before this staff was handed to me, we understood that leadership must be proven, not proclaimed. By the grace of God and with the support of my siblings and the youth wing of this house, I completed the Installation of Solar-Powered Street Lights across the Expanded Compound in December 2025 to light up Agunbiade family compound. Our mothers and children can now move at night without fear. Darkness has no place in a house that intends to lead. This project was implemented with full support of sons and daughters of Agunbiade at home and abroad, showing what unity can achieve.
"Agunbiade Human Capital Development and Education Scholarship Pilot
From the next academic year, I will commence a pilot project for Human Capital Development and Education Scholarship for worthy sons and daughters of Agunbiade family. This project will be instituted following due consultations with all the sectors of Agunbiade. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Through our Human Capital Development, we will ensure deep engagement with the youth to take our boys and girls into enterprise and gainful employment. Illiteracy must be totally banished from our community. We will support our youth to acquire relevant skills and own a future. Crime reduces when opportunity increases.
"Kabiyesi’s Agenda on Security and Industrialisation of Ibadanland
Kabiyesi’s vision for a secure and industrialised Ibadanland is not just a highly commendable royal policy, it is critical to existence and development of Ibadanland. Ibadan is the largest city in West Africa by landmass. We have the people, the history, and now, under Kabiyesi, the policy direction. Agunbiade will play its part.
"As a Mogaji who practises law in Nigeria and Scotland, I will leverage our contacts to support Diaspora Investment Drive by bringing Agunbiade sons and daughters in the diaspora to invest back home. We will partner with the Olubadan’s Palace and relevant organisations, including the Chamber of Commerce for a successful diaspora investment drive.
"On security, we will strive to create a digital register of all residents and tenants in the Agunbiade Compound. This will be shared with local security agencies in support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland's security agenda. A city without security cannot attract industry. A city without industry cannot keep its youth. As Mogaji Agunbiade, I key fully into the royal agenda of Kabiyesi.
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My other key agenda, as Mogaji, will include the following: Unity without cliques. One Agunbiade. Full digitisation of family records and assets. Agunbiade Human Capital Development and Education Scholarship. Sustained Development and upgrade of Agunbiade compound Ode Aje-Aladorin. Annual Agunbiade Day and Yoruba Language School for our children born abroad.
"At this point, I must express my deepest appreciation to the Oyegbade family, Adeaga family, Adegboye family and Adebunmi family for their guidance, values, and unwavering support. I particularly extend my sincere gratitude to our distinguished family members whose contributions and influence continue to shape our legacy, Chief Segun Afolabi, Mr Rafiu Tijani, Alhaji Olasheu, Chief Yekini Yusuf, Mr Musa Adeoye, Dr Kayode Afolabi and Mr Abdulwasiu Azzeez. Your roles in preserving the unity and dignity of this family are truly commendable.
"As I assume this role today, I call on every member of the Agunbiade family, young and old, to join hands with me. Let us work together in unity, uphold our values, and build a legacy that future generations of Agunbiade family and entire Ibadanland will be proud of.
My Pledge to the Agunbiade family and Ibadanland.
"I Chief Tolulope Akinkunmi Afolabi, do not take this staff as a trophy. I take it as a hoe to farm, a cutlass to clear the way, and a lamp to light the path for those coming behind. I will be a Mogaji who listens, who accounts, and who deliver. My appeal to our elders, guide me, to our youths, challenge me, to our women, pray for me, and to every Agunbiade, work with me. In conclusion, I accept this responsibility with humility, guided by tradition, strengthened by unity, and driven by a vision for progress."
