The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Ladoja, has ordered an immediate halt to the planned demolition of about 200 houses at Isokan Estate Extension in the Alao Akala, Elebu area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The decision followed a series of meetings between the monarch and affected residents seeking intervention over the dispute.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko.
According to the statement, a claimant identified as Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola, popularly known as Mogaji Oloyin, had reportedly claimed ownership rights over the disputed land based on a judgment allegedly obtained from the Ibadan High Court.
The claim reportedly triggered tension within the community and prompted concerned landlords and landladies to approach the traditional ruler for assistance.
Following consultations and reviews of the matter, the Olubadan ordered that no building in the area should be demolished pending further action.
He also instructed property owners whose rooftops had already been removed during the dispute to immediately restore them.
The monarch warned individuals involved in unlawful land acquisition activities to stay away from the community, stressing that preserving the structures would provide clarity regarding ownership claims and ongoing disputes.
According to him, allowing the buildings to remain intact would help establish the facts surrounding allegations of encroachment and determine subsequent actions.
The intervention has brought relief to many affected residents who feared losing their homes amid the land ownership dispute.
Land disputes and alleged land-grabbing activities have remained recurring concerns in parts of Ibadan and other urban communities, often leading to legal battles and intervention by traditional institutions and government authorities.
