The battle against land grabbing in Ibadan escalated on Tuesday when the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, handed over a suspect (name withheld) to the Oyo State Directorate of the State Security Service (DSS).
Trouble began when the Akoto and Ojofeitimi families sought the Olubadan’s intervention in a lingering dispute over land ownership where the Ojofeitimi family resides along ICAST Road in the Elebu area of the city.
The Akoto family, represented by three individuals, claimed ownership of part of the land, but the Ojofeitimi family insisted it all belonged to them.
The two families were invited to a mini-meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council last month to present their cases and submit proofs of ownership for verification.
The Olubadan stipulated that no further threats or development should occur on the land pending the investigation outcome.
However, luck ran out for the land-grabbing suspects on Tuesday when both parties were summoned to the Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, for the presentation of the investigation report.
At the meeting, the parties learned that the land inhabited by the Ojofeitimi family along ICAST Road in the Elebu area does not belong to the Akoto family.
Survey plans submitted by both sides were clear on this point.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Oyo State Chapter, Surveyor Ajibade Bashiru Bolanle, informed the gathering that his personal survey and records from the State Ministry of Lands confirmed the Ojofeitimi survey plan holds a red copy, while the Akoto plan does not.
Tensions rose when two of the three Akoto representatives failed to appear.
The matter intensified with allegations that, despite stern warnings from the Olubadan and his Council to maintain peace, one Kunle Ojofeitimi was assaulted and battered, requiring treatment at Adeoyo State Hospital for wounds sustained during the investigation period.
The incident was reported to the police, fueling speculation that the absent Akoto members were intentionally avoiding the meeting.
Present at Tuesday’s meeting were: Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu; and Ekerin Balogun, Oba Mobolaji Akeem Adewoyin.
Also in attendance were Aare Mayegun of Ibadan, Chief Bayo Oyero, and CCII PG, Chief Niyi Ajewole.