“The land is full of usurpers, and when the sun sets, who can tell how the clouds may gather?” John of Gaunt, Richard II (William Shakespeare)
by Dr Adekemi Opatunde
These words resonate with the menace of land grabbing that has plagued Ibadanland for years. This quote aptly captures the frustration and uncertainty that many Ibadan indigenes feel as their lands are being grabbed by powerful individuals and groups. However, with the ascension of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, there is hope that the tide is turning against these land grabbers. His Imperial Majesty’s proactive stance on land grabbing, including the inauguration of a legal committee to tackle the issue, signals a new era of justice and equity for the people of Ibadanland.
Ibadan’s historical emergence as a formidable people dates back to the 16th century when Lagelu, the Jagun (commander-in-chief) of Ife and Yoruba’s generalissimo, founded a settlement called Eba Odan. Over time, the city evolved into a major military power, resisting external threats and expanding its territory through trade and conquest.
The ascension of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland marks a new chapter in the city’s history. As a seasoned politician, having served as a senator and governor of Oyo State, and a successful business guru, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the throne.
One of the significant challenges facing Ibadanland is the issue of land grabbing, which has been likened to a cancer that erodes the rights of innocent citizens to their legitimate properties. To address this menace, the Olubadan has inaugurated a five-member legal committee, comprising prominent legal practitioners, to tackle land grabbing from a legal perspective and provide recommendations within 21 days.
The committee, led by Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), includes Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas. They have been given the authority to co-opt experts from various professions to aid in their investigation and ensure justice is served.
The ancient Yoruba adage “Oba lo Nile” (The king is the owner of lands) resonates deeply in Ibadanland, where the monarch’s role is more than just ceremonial. The Oba’s role transcends mere symbolism, as he is entrusted with the weighty responsibility of safeguarding his subjects’ welfare and protecting the land.
The menace of land grabbing in Ibadanland is a complex issue, often orchestrated by powerful, faceless individuals who hide behind the scenes. While the perpetrators may display bravado, their sponsors lack the courage to confront the consequences of their actions. However, with the ascension of His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Rashidi Ladoja, there is hope that their reign of terror will soon come to an end.
These land grabbers are notorious for their brazen tactics, often arriving at scenes with reckless abandon, brandishing weapons, and accompanied by uniformed personnel who fire shots to intimidate and disperse helpless citizens.
As the pacesetter state, Oyo State is expected to set a precedent for others to follow. It is hoped that other states will take a cue from Ibadan’s example and empower traditional institutions to assert their roles in maintaining law and order, thereby bringing relief to citizens who have been victimized by land grabbers.
As the people of Ibadanland await the outcome of Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s efforts to combat land grabbing, they are reminded of the importance of protecting their ancestral lands. As Caliban in Shakespeare’s The Tempest so eloquently puts it: “This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother, which thou takest from me” -Caliban, The Tempest (William Shakespeare)
May the people of Ibadanland find justice and peace under the leadership of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and may the rights of all citizens be protected and respected.