Protest Erupts in Ibadan as Communities face Land Grabbing Crisis

News/Opinion

Protest Erupts in Ibadan as Communities face Land Grabbing Crisis

Reported by Oluwaseun Adeniyi

Communities in the Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State are currently in a state of fragile tranquility as they grapple with the rampant activities of land grabbers. These individuals have been forcibly evicting villagers, employing law enforcement to intimidate landowners, and selling the seized properties to estate developers.

Recent protests have highlighted the plight of over 40 families affected by these land grabbing incidents. A press conference held on Wednesday in one of the impacted communities drew attention to the ongoing crisis, despite the enforcement of the Real Properties Protection Law of 2016. This law stipulates severe penalties—up to 15 years in prison or a fine of 500,000 Naira—for anyone using violence or threats to unlawfully acquire land.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the area, Oba Nureni Adegbenro, the Alajia of Ajia, assured victims that their grievances would be addressed. \"Our ancestors will intervene and deliver justice,\" he stated, distancing the local monarchy from the activities of the land grabbers. He emphasized that the Adegbenro and Abiola families, who have historical ties to the land, are not involved in these unlawful acts, asserting, \"Those disturbing the peace are not the legitimate landowners.\"

Victims recounted harrowing experiences, with reports of severe violence including the death of a village head at the hands of land grabbers. Asimiyu Onaolapo from Gbeleyi village revealed that approximately 850 acres of land have been seized from at least 21 families in his community. He recounted how the land grabbers, claiming ancestral rights, have relentlessly harassed locals, even employing police assistance to further their agenda. \"They’ve leveled our cocoa farms with heavy machinery, and the developers who purchased the land from them are threatening our very existence,\" he lamented.

Bashiru Olajide, a resident of Ogunbunmi village, shared similar frustrations, calling for intervention from Governor Seyi Makinde and the Inspector-General of Police. Another victim, Ahmed Oyebamiji, described the intimidation tactics employed by the land grabbers, who often arrive in Oyo State Government vehicles, accompanied by armed men in a convoy of around 30 vehicles. \"It’s a terrifying sight that leaves us in constant fear,\" he recounted.

Wahab Anikulapo Bello from Matabo village noted that complaints have been lodged with the Ibadan traditional council, yet no tangible action has been taken to curb the land grabbing activities, which continue to inflict emotional and economic distress on the community.

As tensions rise, the urgent need for government intervention and effective law enforcement has never been more critical to restore peace and protect the rights of landowners in Ona Ara Local Government Area.