The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called for stronger legal measures to tackle the rising problem of land grabbing in Ibadan.
While receiving the report of the Niyi Akintola-led Anti-Land Grabbing Committee, Oba Ladoja proposed that local government councils enact bye-laws under the Land Use Act to establish special tribunals for fast-track handling of land grabbing cases, with clearly defined sanctions for offenders.
The monarch went further to condemn fraudulent land claims, including a recent case where a suspect presented a purported 1912 Supreme Court judgment to claim land in Oluyole Local Government Area, calling such documents “fraudulent and unacceptable.”
He also criticized the use of fake survey plans and false petitions, warning that individuals filing misleading claims undermine justice and public trust.
The Olubadan praised the committee members for their diligence and integrity, while reiterating the need for tribunals staffed by honest members to restore confidence in land administration and protect Ibadan’s investment climate.
In his remarks, Chief Niyi Akintola, Chairman of the committee, revealed that the panel received 179 memoranda and noted that land grabbers operate as organized networks with connections in government institutions.
He equally stated that submissions from outside Ibadan were returned, as the committee’s mandate was limited to Ibadanland.