The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has identified illegal land acquisition, or land grabbing, as the most pressing challenge impeding the progress of the ancient city. Speaking at his residence in Ibadan following the Eid-Fitri festival, the former Oyo State governor emphasized that the perennial issue directly undermines both social stability and economic development by deterring investment and creating conflict for residents and indigenes.
Ladoja stated that he has explicitly instructed traditional land custodians, the Baales (village heads), to assert authority and prevent any form of land grabbing within their domains. He confirmed that local security agencies and community vigilantes have also been mobilized to enforce this directive and intervene immediately when disputes arise. This coordinated effort aims to resolve the problem before it escalates.
Addressing broader security concerns separately, Ladoja asserted that all relevant authorities, including the traditional institution and government agencies, are actively managing the situation. He specifically refuted any link between recent kidnapping incidents in Ibadan and Fulani herdsmen, characterizing the crimes as opportunistic extortion. He cited the arrest of three suspects in Oluyole Local Government Area as evidence of effective operational response, though he reiterated that land grabbing remains the city’s fundamental issue.
The monarch’s declaration places the resolution of property disputes at the forefront of Ibadan’s development agenda. By directing Baales to take ownership of land administration and bolstering local security response, the traditional council is seeking to create a safer, more predictable environment for residents and potential investors. The effectiveness of this community-led strategy, coupled with official security collaboration, will be critical in addressing a problem that has long hampered the city’s growth.
