Olubadan Draws The Line: ‘Nobody Will Intimidate Ibadan Residents Out Of Their Homes

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has intervened in the planned demolition of nearly 200 houses located at Isokan Estate Extension in the Alao Akala, Elebu area of Ibadan, bringing temporary relief to hundreds of worried residents facing possible displacement.

The monarch reportedly ordered an immediate halt to the demolition exercise following a series of meetings with affected landlords, community leaders, and other stakeholders after tensions escalated in the area over a long-standing land ownership dispute. 

According to reports, many residents stormed the Olubadan’s residence in Bodija, Ibadan, to seek royal intervention after several houses within the estate had their rooftops removed and structures marked for demolition. The residents claimed the exercise began after an Ibadan High Court judgment allegedly favoured one Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola, popularly known as Mogaji Oloyin, who laid claim to a large portion of the disputed land. 

The traditional ruler, while addressing stakeholders, reportedly directed that no further demolition should take place pending proper verification and resolution of the land dispute. He also instructed landlords whose rooftops had already been removed to immediately repair and restore their damaged buildings. 

Oba Ladoja further warned individuals involved in illegal land grabbing activities to stay away from the community, stressing that the disputed property was not available for unlawful acquisition. The Olubadan has consistently maintained a strong stance against land grabbing across Ibadanland, especially since assuming the throne. 

As part of efforts to ensure fairness and prevent further crisis, stakeholders at the meeting reportedly agreed that independent surveyors would carry out fresh ground markings to accurately determine the boundaries of the land in dispute. The exercise is expected to be supervised in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Lands. 

Speaking on the development, community representatives alleged that the demolition threat had thrown residents into fear and uncertainty, with some families already affected by the removal of rooftops and destruction of fences. They warned that neighbouring communities, including Alausa, Aromokun, and Oluyedun, could also face similar threats if urgent intervention had not occurred. Reports indicate that over 400 houses in surrounding areas were feared to be at risk. 

Mogaji Oloyin, who reportedly claims ownership of approximately 31 acres of land within the estate, maintained that the property belongs to his family through inheritance and that he possesses a valid court judgment and survey plan backing his claim. He also alleged that previous attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue with affected residents were unsuccessful. 

The latest intervention by the Olubadan has once again highlighted the growing concerns surrounding land disputes and alleged land grabbing activities in parts of Ibadan and other rapidly expanding urban communities in Nigeria. In recent years, disputes over property ownership, family inheritance, and community expansion have resulted in frequent legal battles, demolitions, and violent confrontations. 

Observers believe the monarch’s intervention may help calm tensions temporarily while authorities work toward a legal and peaceful resolution. The Olubadan also reportedly commended the Oyo State Police Command for deploying officers promptly to the area and preventing the crisis from escalating further. 

The development has continued to generate reactions across Ibadan, with many residents praising the traditional ruler for stepping in to protect affected homeowners and prevent what could have turned into a major humanitarian and security crisis in the community.