The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has suspended the planned demolition of about 186 houses at Isokan Estate Extension in the Elebu area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The monarch’s intervention followed protests by residents after rooftops were removed from several buildings ahead of a demolition exercise linked to a land ownership dispute.
Oba Ladoja also directed affected homeowners to immediately reinstall the removed rooftops while efforts are ongoing to settle the crisis peacefully.
The decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the Olubadan’s residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
Residents of Isokan Estate Extension had earlier stormed the palace on Sunday, accusing some individuals of removing rooftops between Thursday and Friday in preparation for mass demolition.
The residents claimed the action stemmed from an Ibadan High Court judgment reportedly delivered in favour of Mogaji Taofeek Abiola Olopade, popularly known as Mogaji Oloyin, over ownership of about 31 acres of land in the community.
Speaking during the meeting, Oba Ladoja ordered an immediate suspension of all demolition activities and instructed independent surveyors to carry out fresh land markings under the supervision of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands.
According to the monarch, the fresh survey would help identify the actual boundaries and determine those encroaching on the land.
He also warned alleged land grabbers to stay away from the disputed property until ownership claims are properly verified.
The Olubadan commended the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, for deploying security personnel to maintain peace and prevent violence in the area.
Mogaji Oloyin, while addressing stakeholders, maintained that the land belongs to his family through inheritance and insisted he has a valid court judgment and survey plan supporting his claim.
He added that attempts were made to engage affected landlords before enforcement actions began, but the efforts were unsuccessful.
However, the spokesperson for the Isokan community, Mr Isiaq Olatunji, said residents have been living in fear following the removal of rooftops and destruction of some fences.
He warned that neighbouring communities such as Alausa, Aromokun and Oluyedun, which he claimed were not included in the court judgment, could also be affected.
Olatunji appealed to the monarch for urgent intervention, saying many residents could be displaced unfairly if the situation is not resolved.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed fears that more than 400 houses may eventually be affected if the dispute continues unresolved.
The development comes months after the Olubadan inaugurated a five-member committee to address land grabbing and related offences in Ibadan. The committee later recommended stricter legal actions and faster resolution of land disputes across the city.
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