Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has issued a stern caution against the ongoing issue of land grabbing, emphasizing that those involved are damaging the city’s image and will soon encounter serious repercussions.
During a ceremony at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, the monarch officially launched a five-member panel of legal experts tasked with tackling land grabbing through legal channels.
This announcement was detailed in a statement released by Mr. Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan’s media representative, and shared with journalists in Ibadan.
The appointed committee comprises Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas. Notably, Barrister Adetunbi was unable to attend the inauguration due to prior commitments.
Oba Ladoja urged the committee to work closely with experts from related fields such as urban planning, land surveying, and law enforcement agencies. He encouraged them to commence their work immediately and present their findings within a three-week timeframe.
“The issue of land grabbing in Ibadan is a tangled network of various interests that must be carefully dissected,” the monarch remarked.
“Although the task before you is formidable, I am confident in your ability to achieve meaningful results,” he added.
The Olubadan further explained that this new legal advisory group is intended to support the ongoing efforts of the existing land affairs committee led by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.
He also highlighted the shared dedication of the Olubadan-in-Council and the Oyo State government to eliminate this persistent problem.
In a related statement, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland, praised the initiative and warned that land grabbing poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of local residents.
He advocated for the establishment of specialized anti-land-grabbing tribunals across all 11 local government areas within Ibadanland to expedite justice delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) expressed gratitude to the Olubadan and the council for entrusting them with this critical responsibility.
