WE NEED LEGAL BACKING TO TACKLE LAND GRABBERS - OLUBADAN

Read Time:1 Minute, 56 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has called for stronger legal frameworks to combat the rising menace of land grabbing in Ibadan.

Speaking at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo while receiving the report of the Anti-Land Grabbing Committee led by Niyi Akintola, the monarch emphasized the need for decisive legal backing to address the challenge.

He proposed that local government legislative councils enact bye-laws, in line with the Land Use Act, to establish special tribunals for the speedy adjudication of land-related disputes, alongside clearly defined sanctions for offenders.

Oba Ladoja decried the increasing sophistication of fraudulent land claims, citing a recent case where a suspect presented a purported 1912 Supreme Court judgment to assert ownership of land in Oluyole Local Government Area.

“We have reached a point where land grabbers must understand that enough is enough. A document predating Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914 cannot be valid. Such claims are not only fraudulent but unacceptable,” the monarch said.

He also condemned the use of fake survey plans and frivolous petitions, noting that some individuals manipulate legal and security institutions through false allegations, including threats to life. He called for sanctions against those who file false petitions, warning that such actions undermine justice and public trust.

The monarch further highlighted the negative impact of land grabbing on Ibadan’s investment climate and stressed the need for integrity-driven tribunal members to restore confidence in land administration. He vowed to sanction any Mogajis, Baales, or chiefs found complicit in land grabbing activities.

The event was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Oba Kola Adegbola, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and Oba Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu.

Earlier, Akintola disclosed that the committee received 179 memoranda, alongside over 25 additional submissions still with the Palace Secretary. He described land grabbers as organised networks with deep links across key institutions.

“This informed our wide consultations with stakeholders, including the state government, local authorities, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and land administration professionals,” he said, noting that the panel refrained from delivering judgments but found the system deeply flawed.

The committee chairman added that submissions from outside Ibadan were returned, as its mandate was limited to Ibadanland.

The Olubadan commended the committee for its diligence and integrity, expressing the appreciation of the people of Ibadan.