Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has intensified efforts to tackle land grabbing in Ibadan, Oyo State, by handing a suspected land grabber over to the **Department of State Services (DSS) following a prolonged dispute over land ownership.
The Olubadan’s actions came after a fierce land dispute between two prominent families in the Elebu area of Ibadan, a conflict that reignited concerns about unlawful land acquisition, encroachment and land grabbing in the ancient city. The development has reinforced local authorities’ stance that Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers, hands suspect to DSS as part of broader efforts to protect property rights and uphold the rule of law.
Oba Ladoja took decisive action after receiving petitions from both the Akoto and Ojofeitimi families, each laying claim to a parcel of land along the ICAST axis in the Elebu area. The land had been the subject of an ownership controversy, with both sides presenting competing documents and survey plans.
In response, the Olubadan-in-Council set up a special five-member committee in October 2025 to investigate land grabbing and related matters from a legal perspective. The committee includes eminent legal practitioners such as Senior Advocates of Nigeria Niyi Akintola and Musibau Adetunbi, alongside other professionals with experience in survey, security and legal processes.
Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers, hands suspect to DSS is the latest chapter in the committee’s work, which has sought to mediate the dispute and bring clarity to land ownership issues. The monarch’s directive explicitly barred any threat, encroachment or development on the contested property pending the investigation outcome.
During a reconciliation meeting at the Olubadan’s palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, the committee reviewed the evidence presented by both families. The state Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Ajibade Bolanle, presented an independent survey and land record verification. His findings confirmed that the Ojofeitimi family held a valid red copy of the survey plan held by the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, while the Akoto family’s document lacked statutory validation, Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers.
Following the determination of rightful ownership, tensions flared when two of the three representatives of the Akoto family failed to appear for the report presentation. The situation worsened amid allegations that one Kunle Ojofeitimi had been assaulted during the period of investigation, despite warnings from the Olubadan to maintain peace. The injured man was reportedly treated for his injuries at Adeoyo State Hospital, and the matter was referred to the police.
It was against this backdrop that Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers, hands suspect to DSS — a suspect was apprehended and formally handed over to the Department of State Services. The two other suspects connected to the alleged incident remain at large, according to Olubadan’s media aide.
The involvement of the DSS in a land dispute is unusual but signals escalating concerns over the severity of the incident and the need for national security involvement. Local observers say handing the suspect to the DSS underscores the seriousness with which traditional rulers and security agencies are approaching the culture of land grabbing — a problem that has often been linked to fraud, intimidation and violence in growing urban centres across Nigeria.
https://ogelenews.ng/olubadan-cracks-down-on-land-grabbers-hands-suspect…
Land grabbing has been an ongoing challenge in Oyo State and other parts of southwestern Nigeria, where rapid urbanisation and rising land values have tempted some individuals to exploit legal ambiguities for personal gain. The Olubadan’s actions align with wider efforts by state governments and regulatory bodies to clamp down on unlawful land acquisition.
Critics say the problem has been exacerbated by fraudulent land sales, forged documents and encroachment on government or private properties without proper verification. In response, state authorities have launched enlightenment campaigns aimed at educating the public on lawful land transactions and encouraging proper due diligence before purchasing land, Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers.
In Ibadan, traditional rulers and community leaders have increasingly played active roles in mitigating land disputes and advocating for justice. Oba Ladoja’s step to forward a suspect to the DSS has been welcomed by some residents as a bold move to send a clear message that unlawful land dealings will not be tolerated.
Detainees from such disputes, observers say, often face charges related to fraud, intimidation and trespass, especially when allegations involve violent confrontations or harm to individuals. By involving federal security agencies, the Olubadan has elevated the matter beyond local jurisdiction, helping ensure that justice is pursued through appropriate legal and security channels.
The Olubadan’s palace remains a revered institution in Ibadanland, historically recognised for mediating disputes, upholding tradition and contributing to community cohesion. The recent crackdown reflects the monarch’s willingness to adapt traditional authority to address modern challenges such as property fraud and land encroachment.
As Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers, hands suspect to DSS, attention now turns to securing the remaining suspects and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. Traditional leaders, security agencies and land professionals are expected to maintain vigilance as land disputes continue to evolve in both complexity and frequency within urban Nigeria.
For the families involved and residents of Elebu and surrounding districts, the episode serves as a reminder of the value of proper documentation, adherence to land laws and the importance of trusted mediators in dispute resolution. The Olubadan’s actions may set a precedent for how land conflicts are addressed in Ibadanland and beyond.
http://punchng.com/olubadan-cracks-down-on-land-grabbers-hands-suspect-to-dss
Olubadan cracks down on land grabbers.
