By Tunji Oladejo
The recent inauguration of a five-member Legal Advisory Committee by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, to tackle land disputes and grabbing in Ibadanland is a welcome development. The menace of land grabbing has assumed alarming proportions, threatening the social fabric and image of the city.
Oba Ladoja’s warning that “hard times await land grabbers” is a clear signal that the authorities are determined to nip the problem in the bud.
The Committee, comprising seasoned legal professionals and land rights advocates, including Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Barr. Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem and Tunji Thomas, has been tasked with submitting recommendations within 21 days.
This initiative is proof of the Olubadan’s commitment to protecting the rights of Ibadanland’s citizens. The Committee’s work will be closely watched and it is hoped that their efforts will yield positive results.
However, this fight against land grabbing requires a collective effort. The public, government agencies and security forces must work together to curb this menace. The establishment of anti-land-grabbing tribunals in all eleven local government areas in Ibadanland, as suggested by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, is a step in the right direction.
The Oyo State Government must also play its part in supporting the Committee’s efforts. The fight against land grabbing is a fight for justice and it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure that Ibadanland is a safe and secure place for all.
Let this be a call to action for all Nigerians to join the fight against land grabbing and support the efforts of the Olubadan and his Committee. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Ibadanland is a place where citizens can live in peace and security.
Tunji Oladejo, JP, mnipr, who writes from the University of Ibadan, is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI) under the aegis of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) via oladejo65@gmail.com.
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