The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has set up a five-man committee to combat the growing menace of land grabbing in the ancient city. The move is part of renewed efforts by the monarch to protect the image and integrity of Ibadan and restore order in land-related matters.

Speaking during the inauguration of the committee at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oba Ladoja described land grabbing as a major problem tarnishing the city’s reputation both locally and internationally. The Olubadan, who recently ascended the throne as the 44th monarch of Ibadanland, vowed that his administration would not tolerate individuals or groups exploiting land ownership for selfish gain.

The newly constituted committee is made up of respected legal practitioners, including Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barr. Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas. The Olubadan tasked them with working closely with professionals from relevant sectors—such as town planning, surveying, security agencies, and the judiciary—to ensure a coordinated legal response to land disputes and illegal encroachments.

Oba Ladoja explained that the menace of land grabbing is a “complex web of interests” that requires a firm and lawful approach to unravel. He noted that both the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council share the same vision of cleaning up the land administration system in Ibadan. He expressed confidence in the capacity and integrity of the committee members to deliver on their assignment.

“I have no doubt that this team will rise to the challenge. We must restore sanity and ensure that Ibadanland no longer suffers from the negative image created by land grabbers,” the monarch said.