Olubadan Cracks Down on Alleged Land Grabbers, Hands Suspect to DSS …Violence erupts as palace probes ownership tussle between two families

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has handed over a suspected land grabber to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Oyo State, as part of renewed efforts to curb illegal land acquisition and related violence in Ibadan.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the monarch’s Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the suspect, whose identity was withheld, was arrested in connection with a protracted land dispute at the Elebu area of Ibadan, involving the Akoto and Ojofeitimi families.

Oloko explained that the matter had earlier been brought before the Olubadan for intervention, following repeated complaints over alleged encroachment and unlawful claims on the disputed land.

He noted that despite the palace’s efforts to mediate and restore peace between the feuding families, some suspected land grabbers allegedly continued to assert ownership of the property, in defiance of warnings from the traditional authority.

The statement further revealed that violence erupted during the course of the dispute, leading to the injury of one of the parties, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Ibadan.

“The battle against land grabbing in Ibadan took a new dimension on Tuesday when a suspect, whose name is being withheld, was handed over to the Oyo State Directorate of the Department of State Services by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja,” Oloko said.

He explained that trouble began when both families approached the palace to seek royal intervention over the ownership of land on which members of the Ojofeitimi family currently reside, along the ICAST axis of Elebu.

According to him, the Akoto family, represented by three individuals, laid claim to part of the disputed land, prompting the Olubadan to set up a fact-finding process to establish the true position.

As part of the investigation, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Oyo State chapter, was invited to conduct an independent assessment of the land.

At the presentation of the investigation report at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, the Chairman of NIESV in the state, Surveyor Ajibade Bashiru Bolanle, disclosed that findings from physical surveys and official records at the State Ministry of Lands favoured the Ojofeitimi family.

He explained that while the Ojofeitimi family’s survey plan carried a recognised red copy, indicating official registration, the Akoto family’s documents lacked such authentication.

However, Oloko noted that tension heightened when two of the three representatives of the Akoto family failed to attend the meeting where the findings were presented.

“The matter became more serious when it was alleged that, despite stern warnings by the Olubadan and his council to allow peace to prevail, one Kunle Ojofeitimi was assaulted and battered during the period of investigation,” the statement added.

The victim was reportedly rushed to the Adeoyo State Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the attack.

Oloko said the decision to hand over the suspect to the DSS was informed by the need to deter further acts of violence and illegal land grabbing in Ibadan and its environs.

He restated the Olubadan’s commitment to promoting peace, justice and lawful ownership of property, urging residents to seek legitimate means of resolving disputes.

He also warned that the palace would not hesitate to collaborate and with security agencies to deal decisively with individuals or groups undermining peace and order in the ancient city.