The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated a high-powered legal advisory committee to combat the growing menace of land grabbing across Ibadan and its environs.
The five-member committee, unveiled on Tuesday in Ibadan, comprises legal heavyweights, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola and Musibau Adetunbi, alongside Yinka Okunade, Rahman AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas. The committee has been tasked with examining the legal dimensions of land encroachment and offering actionable solutions.
Speaking at the inauguration, Oba Ladoja described land grabbing as a “complex web of interests” and a threat to peace, security, and development in Ibadan. He granted the committee full latitude to co-opt experts across disciplines including town planning, surveying, security, and the judiciary in their investigation.
“This is not a ceremonial committee. You are empowered to act, to investigate, and to recommend legal frameworks that will permanently address this crisis. We cannot continue to allow criminal elements to endanger our communities,” the monarch said.
The committee has been given a 21-day mandate to submit its recommendations.
The effort, Ladoja clarified, is designed to support and strengthen the existing land-related committee headed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and aligns with the state government’s ongoing fight against land-related crimes.
Echoing the monarch’s position, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, called for a more aggressive and institutional approach, suggesting the establishment of special anti-land grabbing tribunals across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chief Akintola, SAN, thanked the Olubadan and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for entrusting them with what he called “a sacred call to defend the land.” He noted that the fight against land grabbing requires the support of both the state and the people.
“We will need the cooperation of all stakeholders, government, law enforcement, and the people, if we are to succeed. This is about the future of Ibadan,” Akintola stated.
The inauguration was witnessed by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including Otun Olubadan-designate Oba Eddy Oyewole, Osi Balogun Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, Osi Olubadan-designate Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and others.
