The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has inaugurated a five-man committee to tackle the persistent menace of land grabbing in Ibadan.
The traditional ruler, crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland last month, expressed concern over the negative reputation the city has gained due to unlawful land activities.
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Oba Ladoja made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, while inaugurating the committee of legal practitioners at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The event was attended by key traditional leaders including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Otun Balogun Oba Kola Adegbola, and several others.
The committee comprises Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas.
Oba Ladoja charged them to enlist professionals from various sectors, including town planning, surveying, security, and the legal profession, to ensure the initiative’s success.
“Land grabbing is like an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that need to be unravelled,” the Olubadan said.
He further emphasized the seriousness of their responsibility, stating, “I know each of you very well.
“While we entertain no illusion as to the gravity of your responsibility, I have no doubt in my mind that you have the capacity to carry out the responsibility.”
He added, “This committee must act decisively and without fear or favour. Anyone involved in land grabbing in Ibadanland will face the full weight of the law.”
Ladoja also stressed the importance of collaboration, saying, “We expect full cooperation from government agencies, the bar, and town planners to ensure Ibadanland regains its lost credibility.”
Oba Ladoja reassured residents that both the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council were aligned in eliminating the scourge.
He warned that hard times await land grabbers and tasked the committee with a legal approach to tackling the problem, reinforcing his determination to restore Ibadanland’s reputation as a city governed by law and order.
