The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has intensified efforts to curb land grabbing in the ancient city, handing over a suspect to the Oyo State Directorate of the Department of State Services (DSS) over an alleged assault linked to a protracted land dispute.
Two other suspects are reportedly at large.
The action followed a lingering ownership crisis between the Akoto and Ojofeitimi families over a parcel of land along the ICAST axis in the Elebu area of Ibadan.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by the monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko.
Five-Member Anti-Land Grabbing Committee Inaugurated
The move comes days after Oba Ladoja, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, inaugurated a five-member committee to tackle land grabbing and related offences from a legal standpoint.
The committee includes Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Niyi Akintola and Musibau Adetunbi, alongside Yinka Okunade, Rahman AbdulRaheem and Tunji Thomas.
The Olubadan granted the panel express approval to co-opt professionals from relevant fields — including town planning, surveying, security agencies, and the legal profession — to strengthen the fight against land grabbing.
Ownership Dispute and Council Verdict
Both families had earlier approached the Olubadan-in-Council to mediate in the dispute.
While representatives of the Akoto family claimed ownership of part of the land, the Ojofeitimi family insisted the entire parcel belonged to them.
According to Oloko, the council invited the feuding parties last month and directed them to submit survey plans and other title documents to establish ownership.
The monarch also ordered that no development, encroachment or threats should occur on the disputed land pending investigations.
The matter climaxed on Tuesday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, where the investigative report was presented.
The council ruled in favour of the Ojofeitimi family, affirming that the land in question rightfully belonged to them and dismissing the Akoto family’s claim.
Presenting the findings, the Oyo State Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Ajibade Bolanle, revealed that an independent survey and official records from the state Ministry of Lands validated the Ojofeitimi family’s ownership.
He noted that the survey plan submitted by the Ojofeitimi family carried an official red copy, while the document presented by the Akoto family lacked statutory authentication.
Assault Allegation and DSS Intervention
Tension reportedly escalated when two of the three Akoto family representatives failed to appear for the report presentation, raising concerns among council members.
The situation worsened following allegations that one Kunle Ojofeitimi was assaulted during the investigation period, despite earlier warnings from the Olubadan that all parties must maintain peace.
The victim was reportedly treated at Adeoyo State Hospital, and the incident was subsequently reported to the police.
Following the development, one suspect was apprehended and handed over to the DSS, while security operatives are making efforts to arrest the remaining two suspects.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Several prominent Ibadan chiefs and dignitaries attended the meeting, including the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Mobolaji Akeem Adewoyin; Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; and the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Niyi Ajewole.
The decisive action signals a renewed push by the Olubadan to protect land ownership rights and restore order amid rising cases of land grabbing in Ibadan.
