Chief Tolulope Akinkunmi Afolabi, the newly installed Mogaji of the Agunbiade dynasty in the Ode Aje Alaadorin Oluyoro Oke Offa area of Ibadan, has declared that his chieftaincy position is an opportunity to render even more service to his kinsmen and the people of Ibadanland.
The legal practitioner made the announcement shortly after his installation by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, during a ceremony held at the Olubadan’s palace on Monday, which drew family members, friends, kinsmen, and notable personalities.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Afolabi said he has already been providing selfless services to the area, including installing solar-powered street lights across the expanded compound in December 2025.
“Before becoming Mogaji today, I have been able to make some moves, erecting structures, providing electricity, and solar lights,” he said. “Even before this staff was handed to me, we understood that leadership must be proven, not proclaimed. Our mothers and children can now move at night without fear. Darkness has no place in a house that intends to lead.”
He outlined several priorities for his tenure, including quality education, health programmes, and empowerment initiatives.
“From the next academic year, I will commence a pilot project for Human Capital Development and Education Scholarship for worthy sons and daughters of the Agunbiade family,” he stated.
“An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Illiteracy must be totally banished from our community. Crime reduces when opportunity increases.”
Afolabi also pledged to support the Olubadan’s agenda on security and industrialisation, vowing to create a digital register of all residents and tenants in the Agunbiade compound to share with local security agencies.
“A city without security cannot attract industry. A city without industry cannot keep its youth,” he said.
The new Mogaji, who practices law in Nigeria and Scotland, said he will leverage his contacts to support a diaspora investment drive, encouraging Agunbiade sons and daughters abroad to invest back home.
He also expressed deep appreciation to the Oyegbade, Adeaga, Adegboye, and Adebunmi families, as well as notable family members including Chief Segun Afolabi, Mr Rafiu Tijani, Alhaji Olasheu, Chief Yekini Yusuf, Mr Musa Adeoye, Dr Kayode Afolabi, and Mr Abdulwasiu Azzeez.
“I do not take this staff as a trophy,” Afolabi declared.
“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 delivers.” He appealed to elders to guide him, youths to challenge him, women to pray for him, and every Agunbiade to work with him.
