His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has ordered the immediate halt of the proposed demolition of approximately 186 houses at Isokan Estate Extension, Alao-Akala, Elebu area of Ibadan. The monarch’s intervention follows an urgent appeal by landlords whose properties were marked for destruction following a recent High Court judgment.
The palace was besieged on Sunday by truckloads of affected residents who reported that rooftops had been removed between Thursday and Friday, and fences had been pulled down, in preparation for a demolition exercise. The action was reportedly based on a judgment in favor of Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola (also known as Mogaji Oloyin), who claims ownership of 31 acres of the disputed land.
Following a critical stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at his Bodija residence, Oba Ladoja directed that all demolition activities cease immediately. In a decisive move to restore normalcy, the monarch ordered affected landlords to repair their damaged rooftops without delay.
“Fresh ground markings must be carried out by independent surveyors to determine the exact boundaries of the disputed land. This exercise will be monitored by the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development,” the Olubadan stated during the meeting.
“By so doing, we would be able to know who is trespassing on whose land and determine the next line of action to take,” the monarch said.
Oba Ladoja issued a stern warning to land grabbers and those acting on the strength of the judgment to steer clear of the area, insisting that the land was not available for illegal acquisition. He noted that the safety and welfare of residents remain paramount, with fears that the crisis could eventually spread to neighboring communities like Alausa, Aromokun, and Oluyedun, potentially affecting over 400 houses.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, disclosed that Mogaji Oloyin had claimed he attempted to negotiate with the landlords but was rebuffed. However, the monarch has ruled that due process and proper verification must be followed.
The Olubadan also commended the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, for ensuring prompt police intervention in the area to prevent the situation from escalating.
Present at the stakeholders’ meeting included the Chairman of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori; Land Committee Secretary, Mogaji Odeku; and Baale Apena.