Over 200 houses face demolition in Oyo as Olubadan urges mediation

By Adejayan Gbenga

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has ordered the demolition of more than 200 houses located within Isokan Estate, Elebu, in Ido Local Government Area of the state following a land ownership dispute.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola, popularly known as Mogaji Oloyin, who sought legal ownership of about 31 acres of land covering the affected estate.

The court ruled in favour of the claimant, paving the way for enforcement actions, including the marking of over 200 houses for demolition. Sources said some buildings in the area had already been partially affected, with rooftops removed during preliminary enforcement activities.

The development triggered anxiety among residents, who appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene and prevent further demolition.

During a meeting involving both parties, the Olubadan ordered an immediate suspension of the demolition exercise pending the final resolution of the dispute. He also directed that any rooftops removed from affected buildings be restored without delay.

The monarch further instructed independent surveyors, alongside officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, to carry out a fresh demarcation of the disputed land to establish the actual boundaries and ownership claims.

Oba Ladoja warned against acts of land grabbing and further encroachment on the property, stressing that no additional enforcement action should continue until clarity is established on the disputed area.

Community representatives expressed concerns that neighbouring communities could also be affected by the dispute, potentially increasing the number of properties under threat. Traditional leaders, land committee members and other stakeholders attended the peace meeting convened by the Olubadan to ease tensions and prevent further destruction.