The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has warned against land grabbing, saying those behind the nefarious act are responsible for tarnishing the city’s reputation and will soon face challenging times.
The monarch gave the warning at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, while inaugurating a five-member committee of legal practitioners charged with addressing the menace of land grabbing from a legal standpoint.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the Olubadan’s media aide, Mr Adeola Oloko, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
The committee members included Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas. However, Barrister Adetunbi was unavoidably absent at the inauguration.
Charging the committee to collaborate with professionals from other sectors, such as town planning, surveying, and security agencies, Oba Ladoja said they should “hit the ground running” and submit their recommendations within 21 days.
“Land grabbing in Ibadan is an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that must be unravelled.
“While we entertain no illusion as to the gravity of your assignment, I do not doubt in my mind about your capacity to deliver”, the monarch said.
Oba Ladoja clarified that the newly inaugurated legal advisory committee would complement the efforts of the existing committee on land matters headed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.
He added that the Olubadan-in-Council and the Oyo State government share a common commitment to eradicating the menace.
Also, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, commended the initiative and described land grabbing as a dangerous trend that endangers residents.
He called for creating anti-land-grabbing tribunals in all 11 local government areas in Ibadanland to ensure swift justice.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) thanked the Olubadan and the Olubadan-in-Council for the opportunity to serve.
