By Ismail Azeez
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called for urgent legal reforms to tackle the rising cases of land grabbing across Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja proposed the enactment of bye-laws by local government legislative councils, in line with the Land Use Act, to establish special tribunals for the speedy adjudication of land grabbing cases, alongside clearly defined sanctions for offenders.
The Monarch, through his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, while receiving the report of the Anti-Land Grabbing Committee led by Niyi Akintola, the monarch stressed that only strong legal backing would effectively curb the activities of land grabbers.
He further condemned the use of fake survey plans and frivolous petitions, accusing some individuals of manipulating legal and security institutions with false allegations, including threats to life and other serious offences.
“We have reached a point where land grabbers must understand that enough is enough,” the monarch said. “A document predating Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914 cannot be valid. Such claims are not only fraudulent but unacceptable.”
The Olubadan also called for sanctions against individuals who file false petitions, warning that such actions undermine justice and public trust.
Highlighting the widespread impact of land grabbing, Oba Ladoja noted that the persistent crisis has significantly damaged Ibadan’s investment climate. He emphasized the need for integrity-driven tribunal members to restore confidence in land administration.
At the event, attended by notable traditional leaders including Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Oba Kola Adegbola, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and Oba Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu, the monarch also vowed to take decisive action against any Mogajis, Baales, or chiefs found complicit in land grabbing activities.
He commended members of the committee for their diligence and integrity, expressing the collective appreciation of the Ibadan people.
Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Chief Niyi Akintola, disclosed that the panel received 179 memoranda, in addition to over 25 submissions still with the Palace Secretary. He described land grabbers as organized networks with deep connections across key government institutions and agencies.
“This informed our wide consultations with stakeholders, including the State Government, local government authorities, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and professionals in land administration,” he said, adding, “Your Imperial Majesty, we refrained from delivering judgments, but it is evident that the system is deeply flawed.”