Olubadan Constitutes 5-Member Committee to Tackle Land Grabbing in Ibadanland

Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, has inaugurated a five-member committee to take decisive action against land grabbing across Ibadan. The committee was constituted to safeguard property rights, restore order in land administration, and protect the dignity of Ibadan’s heritage.

The inauguration, held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, drew prominent chiefs, palace aides, and stakeholders. Members of the newly formed committee include Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas — all selected for their integrity and professional expertise in law, urban planning, and public administration.

While inaugurating the committee, Oba Ladoja described land grabbing as a “rising menace threatening Ibadan’s peace and traditional values.” He emphasized that “this administration will not tolerate anyone taking land unlawfully, no matter how highly placed.” The monarch charged the committee to act swiftly and decisively against offenders and ensure that justice is served in all reported cases.

The Olubadan further revealed that the palace has been inundated with petitions from families and communities whose ancestral lands were forcefully taken. “The frequency and boldness of these acts call for urgent action,” he said, adding that the new committee will work closely with law enforcement and the judiciary to restore sanity.

The committee is tasked with investigating cases, mediating disputes, and recommending strict sanctions against land grabbers. It will also collaborate with Oyo State’s Ministry of Lands and local security agencies to ensure enforcement of rightful ownership and community peace.

This initiative follows a surge in land disputes around Oluyole, Lagelu, and Akinyele areas, where land grabbers have reportedly used force, forgery, and intimidation to dispossess rightful owners. In recent months, several families, including the Lafiku Dynasty, have sought royal intervention to reclaim illegally occupied lands.

The monarch stressed that the era of impunity is over, warning that any traditional chief found complicit in land-grabbing activities would face suspension or removal. He also encouraged the committee to host public hearings, promote awareness on property rights, and create channels for citizens to report illegal encroachments.

Oba Ladoja’s intervention has been widely praised by legal practitioners and community leaders who view it as a timely step toward restoring confidence in Ibadan’s traditional leadership and property administration system. Many believe the move will set a precedent for other Yoruba monarchs to follow in tackling the same menace across the Southwest.