Oba Ladoja inaugurates committee to curb land grabbing in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has inaugurated a five-member committee to tackle the menace of land grabbing in the ancient city.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held during the week at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, the monarch warned that tough measures await those involved in illegal land dealings, which he said have tarnished Ibadan’s image.

The committee, composed of prominent legal practitioners, includes Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun Abdul-Raheem, and Tunji Thomas.

The event was attended by top members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Otun Olubadan-Designate, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; and Osi Olubadan-Designate, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, among others.

Also present were the Bobajiro of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, and the Ajiroba of Ibadanland, Professor Soji Adejumo.

Oba Ladoja urged the committee to collaborate with professionals across relevant sectors, including town planning, surveying, security, and the judiciary, to effectively address the issue. He stressed that both the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council share a common resolve to rid Ibadan of land grabbers.

“Land grabbing is an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that must be unraveled,” the monarch said. “I have no doubt in your capacity to carry out this important task.”

Oba Ladoja, who was crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland last month, reaffirmed his commitment to restoring integrity and order to land administration in Ibadan.