- Ladoja reiterated ongoing efforts by traditional authorities and the Oyo State Government to curb land grabbing across Ibadan
- The monarch also issued a warning against land grabbing activities
- Ladoja said the exercise would help establish actual land boundaries and determine ownership claims
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has intervened to stop the planned demolition of about 186 houses located at Isokan Estate Extension in the Alao-Akala, Elebu area of Ibadan, Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the intervention followed complaints by residents and landlords who stormed the monarch’s private residence in Ibadan on Sunday to seek urgent help over the development.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Fani-Kayode, Omokri Oppose Return Of Power To North Before 2031, Endorse Tinubu For 2027
- Putin defends Ukraine war amid NATO aggression claims
- Epe Stakeholders Unite in Massive Endorsement for Wale Raji, Tobun, Tinubu, Others
The affected property owners reportedly informed the traditional ruler that roofing sheets had been removed from several buildings between Thursday and Friday as part of preparations for demolition following an Ibadan High Court judgment in favour of Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola, popularly known as Mogaji Oloyin.
To prevent further destruction, the Olubadan convened another stakeholders’ meeting at his Bodija residence on Tuesday and granted affected homeowners permission to repair damaged rooftops while efforts continue to resolve the dispute.
The monarch also issued a warning against land grabbing activities, insisting that the disputed property should not be subjected to unlawful acquisition.
Ladoja reiterated ongoing efforts by traditional authorities and the Oyo State Government to curb land grabbing across Ibadan.
He recalled that in October 2025, he inaugurated a five-member committee to tackle land-related disputes and illegal land acquisitions.
The committee includes Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Niyi Akintola and Musibau Adetunmbi, alongside Yinka Okunade, Rahman AbdulRaheem and Tunji Thomas.
According to him, the committee had earlier proposed legal measures, including local government bye-laws and special tribunals, to fast-track land grabbing cases and impose sanctions on offenders.
At Tuesday’s meeting, stakeholders agreed that independent surveyors would carry out fresh boundary demarcation exercises on the disputed land under the supervision of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development.
Ladoja said the exercise would help establish actual land boundaries and determine ownership claims.
He also commended the Oyo State Police Command for its prompt response, which helped maintain peace and prevent escalation in the affected community.
Confirming the development, the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, said residents had sought the monarch’s intervention after learning of the impending demolition.
Oloko noted that Mogaji Oloyin maintained that the disputed 31-acre property belonged to his family and insisted he possessed a valid court judgment and survey documents backing his claim.
He added that some residents alleged that fences had already been demolished while several homes suffered roof damage, creating fear among occupants.
The community further expressed concern that nearby areas, including Alausa, Aromokun and Oluyedun, which were reportedly not covered by the court ruling, could also be affected, raising fears that more than 400 houses may eventually come under threat.
FURTHER READING
