Residents of Isokan Estate, Odo Ona Elewe, Challenge, Ibadan, have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Oyo State Government to intervene over what they described as persistent intimidation, extortion and alleged forceful takeover of their lands by suspected land grabbers.

The residents made the appeal on Friday during a peaceful protest and press briefing in Ibadan, alleging that repeated invasions of the community had left many families living in fear.

Speaking on behalf of the community, its Chairman, Mr. Tayo Ashiru, alleged that the suspected land grabbers had repeatedly invaded the estate, destroying houses and other structures belonging to lawful landowners.

Ashiru claimed that efforts to resolve the dispute amicably had failed despite several peace meetings.

According to him, an initial understanding was reached that each landowner would pay ₦500,000 to resolve the dispute. However, he alleged that after some residents complied, the suspected land grabbers increased their demand to ₦5 million before allowing peace to return to the community.

He said the matter was subsequently reported to the palace of the Olubadan, where complaints bordering on intimidation and extortion were lodged.

According to him, the monarch directed the alleged land grabbers to vacate the community, but they allegedly ignored the directive.

Ashiru further stated that the community had reported the matter to security agencies and other relevant authorities, but lamented that the interventions had yet to produce a lasting solution.

He appealed to the Olubadan-in-Council to intervene once again by prevailing on those allegedly involved to desist from acts capable of breaching the peace.

The community also urged the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the state’s Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.

According to the residents, documentary evidence, including petitions, photographs and other relevant records, has been compiled and is ready to be submitted to both the Olubadan’s Palace and the state government.

“We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. We live in fear because thugs allegedly invade our community, threaten and extort residents daily. Their activities have created fear and psychological trauma among members of the community,” Ashiru said.

He maintained that the residents possessed genuine title documents, family receipts and survey plans covering their respective lands, alleging that the suspects continued to challenge their ownership and destroy property despite an ongoing court case instituted in 2023.

“The matter has been in court since 2023. They stopped coming for some time, but about three months ago they returned in full force. Buildings and other structures were destroyed, while roofs were damaged with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons,” he alleged.

Ashiru appealed to the Olubadan and Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene before the dispute escalates into violence.

“We are not against development, but development must follow due process and respect the rights of legitimate landowners. We are calling for peace and asking the government to protect us. We do not want Ibadan to become synonymous with land-related violence,” he added. ((Guardian)

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