The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has taken decisive action against the growing menace of land grabbing in the ancient city by inaugurating a five-member legal committee to confront the problem and related criminal acts.
The newly formed committee consists of prominent legal practitioners, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas — and is mandated to address the issue from a legal perspective.
In a statement released by his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, on Wednesday, Oba Ladoja granted the committee the authority to enlist experts from relevant sectors, including town planning, surveying, security, and the judiciary, to aid their work.
Members of the Olubadan-in-Council were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Oba Ladoja stressed that both the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council are united in their determination to eradicate land grabbing in Ibadan, which he described as “an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that need to be unravelled.”
He said, “I know each of you very well. While we entertain no illusion about the gravity of your assignment, I have no doubt in my mind that you possess the capacity and integrity to deliver.”
The monarch instructed the committee to begin work immediately and submit its report within 21 days.
Oba Ladoja further clarified that the newly established legal advisory committee would reinforce the existing land matters committee chaired by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.
Backing the Olubadan’s initiative, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, commended the move as timely, describing land grabbing as a recurring source of conflict and insecurity for residents.
He also proposed the creation of anti-land-grabbing tribunals across the eleven local government areas within Ibadanland to ensure quick dispensation of justice and deterrence.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) thanked the Olubadan and his council for the confidence placed in them, describing their selection as a call to service.
He assured that the committee would collaborate with the Oyo State Government and the people of Ibadan to eliminate land grabbing, emphasizing that the government itself has no tolerance for such illegal activities.
