Olubadan vows to back neighborhood watch groups across all 11 local government areas in Ibadan amid rising safety concerns

Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has committed to backing vigilante groups across the 11 Local Government Areas of Ibadan in their efforts to combat insecurity, kidnapping, and other crimes. This pledge was made during a meeting with executive members of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, who presented him with the inaugural edition of the Bodija Connect magazine on Sunday in Ibadan.

n

The traditional ruler's support will encompass both financial assistance and the provision of operational equipment, enabling the vigilantes to effectively safeguard lives and property. Oba Ladoja revealed that he had convened a meeting with the heads of vigilante groups in all 11 local government areas, assuring them of his commitment to equipping them to secure the lives and property of Ibadan residents.

n

As he assured the Bodija community of his continued support, Oba Ladoja noted that measures would be taken to prevent commercial activities from disrupting the peaceful living environment of residents. He emphasized the importance of aligning with the vision of the community's founding fathers.

n

Dr Muyiwa Bamgbose, the President of the Bodija Estate Residents’ Association, described the presentation of the maiden edition of Bodija Connect to the Olubadan as a significant milestone for the association. The publication reflects the association's dedication to community engagement, knowledge sharing, and collective development.

n

The Bodija Connect magazine captures key issues affecting the estate, including the Bodija explosion, heritage, and aspirations for a thriving community, according to Dr Bamgbose. He also took the opportunity to congratulate the royal father on his installation and offer prayers for a peaceful and impactful reign.

n

Dr Bamgbose drew the Olubadan's attention to pressing concerns affecting the estate, particularly insecurity, road safety, environmental noise pollution, poor electricity supply, and post-explosion support for affected residents. Residents are increasingly worried about the rising cases of abduction in Ibadan and the need for stronger security measures.

n

The association's president appealed for the deployment of technology to deter criminals and the installation of speed breakers and other traffic-calming measures in parts of Bodija to curb reckless driving and avoidable deaths. He also decried the rising noise pollution from clubs, lounges, and some religious centers, which is affecting the estate's peaceful atmosphere.

n

Dr Bamgbose further lamented the poor electricity supply to the estate and called for the royal father's intervention to improve the situation. Following the Bodija explosion, he expressed gratitude to Gov. Seyi Makinde for the efforts made so far but emphasized that many affected residents still require sustained support.

n

He noted that the compensation paid to victims was reduced, while some houses outside the 500-metre mark were excluded from the relief, with the community that was most hit by the explosion receiving scaled-down compensation. The compensation paid to victims was reduced to about 40 per cent.

n

Other BERA executive members present at the meeting included the Vice President, Mr Dipo Olasope; the General Secretary, Mr David Afolayan; and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Ayo Oyerinde. The Treasurer, Mr Ayo Ola, and the Financial Secretary, Mr Oluwatayo Moses, were also in attendance.

n

Dr Bamgbose stated that many houses considered beyond 500 meters were removed from the list, resulting in a total distribution of about N3.9 billion to victims out of the N30 billion intervention from the Federal Government.