The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has halted the planned demolition of about 186 houses at Isokan Estate Extension in the Alao Akala, Elebu area of Ibadan.
The monarch gave the directive at his Bodija residence on Monday during a second meeting with stakeholders involved in the land dispute.
Oba Ladoja also directed affected landlords whose rooftops had been removed to immediately restore them, warning alleged land grabbers to stay away from the disputed property.
According to the monarch, the land in question is not available for illegal acquisition, adding that fresh boundary markings would be carried out by independent surveyors in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Lands to determine the actual ownership of the property.
“By so doing, we would be able to know who is trespassing on whose land and the next line of action to take,” the Olubadan said.
The traditional ruler commended the new Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, for deploying officers promptly to the area and preventing the crisis from escalating.
The dispute followed complaints by residents of Isokan Estate Extension, who stormed the Olubadan’s palace on Sunday, alleging that rooftops of several houses had been removed between Thursday and Friday in preparation for demolition after an Ibadan High Court judgment reportedly favoured Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola, also known as Mogaji Oloyin.
Mogaji Oloyin reportedly claimed ownership of 31 acres of land at Isokan Extension, describing it as his family inheritance backed by a valid court judgment and survey plan. He maintained that efforts to negotiate with the affected landlords were ignored.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Isiaq Olatunji said residents were living in fear following the removal of rooftops and demolition of some fences.
He also alleged that neighbouring communities, including Alausa, Aromokun and Oluyedun, which were not covered by the court judgment, were also being threatened, warning that over 400 houses could eventually be affected.
Among those present at the stakeholders’ meeting were the Chairman of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, the Land Committee Secretary, Mogaji Odeku, Baale Apena and other aides of the Olubadan.
