Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has issued a strong warning to individuals involved in land grabbing across parts of Oyo State, particularly those accused of using violence, intimidation, and coercion to dispossess lawful property owners, stating that offenders risk severe punishment under existing state legislation.
The warning followed a surge of violent incidents reportedly linked to land grabbers in Oyo West Local Government Area, where residents of several rural communities have allegedly been subjected to repeated attacks and unlawful land takeovers.
Communities affected include Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe, and Ariwinyo, covering a broad expanse of territory stretching from Odo-Itosi to Odo-Ogun.
In a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch emphasised that land remains a critical economic asset in Oyo State and lamented the rising activities of speculators and violent actors exploiting ownership disputes.
He noted that such activities have long deprived rightful owners of property, discouraged investment, and contributed to tensions within affected communities, stressing that the situation required urgent intervention to restore order.
Oba Owoade further stated that the Real Properties Protection Law 2016 of Oyo State provides a legal framework for prosecuting land grabbers, noting that offenders could face prison terms of up to fifteen years alongside others who assist or facilitate illegal transactions.
He added that enforcement efforts have been strengthened through a dedicated task force unit established by the state government to curb illegal land dealings and restore confidence in property transactions.
In response to escalating disputes, the traditional ruler announced the creation of a Land Committee tasked with addressing longstanding issues in land administration, including fraud, encroachment, and unauthorised sales within the kingdom.
The committee, made up of respected elders and professionals, is expected to investigate complaints, review disputed transactions, and recommend measures to ensure that land ownership processes are governed strictly by law rather than force.
He urged residents to cooperate with authorities, warning against engaging with individuals or groups falsely claiming ownership of land in affected communities, and called for calm while investigations continue.
The monarch reiterated that peace, security, and protection of property rights remain central priorities of his administration, insisting that no effort would be spared in safeguarding communities across Oyo Kingdom from unlawful occupation and violence.
In recent years, land disputes have become increasingly common across several parts of southwestern Nigeria, driven by rapid urban expansion, rising population pressure, and increased demand for real estate investment. Oyo State, particularly its peri-urban communities, has witnessed recurring tensions between traditional landholders, private developers, and alleged land speculators, often resulting in litigation and occasional violent confrontations.
Legal experts have previously noted that weak enforcement of property registration systems and overlapping claims under customary and statutory land tenure arrangements have contributed significantly to the persistence of land-related conflicts in many Nigerian states. These challenges are often exacerbated by fraudulent sales, impersonation of family heads, and the absence of comprehensive cadastral records in rapidly developing areas.
In Oyo West Local Government Area, residents have repeatedly called on authorities and traditional institutions to intensify intervention efforts, citing fears that unresolved disputes could escalate further and undermine community stability. Some community members have also expressed concern about the impact of insecurity on agriculture and local livelihoods.
State authorities have in the past deployed task forces to address similar incidents, combining security operations with community mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring lawful ownership structures. However, enforcement has often been challenged by the complexity of verifying land titles and the influence of powerful interests within affected areas.
The Alaafin’s latest intervention comes shortly after his accession to the throne, during which he pledged to prioritise peace, institutional reform, and protection of cultural and economic assets within the Oyo Kingdom, including land governance systems that have long been a source of dispute.
Observers say the establishment of a dedicated Land Committee may represent a renewed attempt by traditional authorities to complement statutory frameworks and improve dispute resolution mechanisms at the community level, particularly in areas where formal land administration systems are weak or contested.
Weeks before the suspension announcement, the electoral environment within the Ijaw National Congress had been marked by disagreements over eligibility criteria, delegate accreditation, and the transparency of the electoral committee, with several stakeholders filing formal objections that contributed to mounting tensions within the organisation.
In response, traditional rulers and elders moved to assert constitutional authority within the organisation, emphasising the need to prevent further escalation and ensure that internal processes align with established rules governing the conduct of elections and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the suspension, with some welcoming the decision as a necessary step to preserve unity and legitimacy, while others caution that prolonged delays in conducting elections could deepen divisions and affect the credibility of the Congress in the long term.
For now, attention remains focused on the seven-member Dispute Resolution Committee, which is expected to begin its review of petitions immediately and submit recommendations that could determine the timing and framework of future elections within the Congress. The outcome is widely regarded as critical to restoring confidence among stakeholders and ensuring a stable leadership transition process that reflects the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people across different zones.
The development also highlights the continuing role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance landscape, particularly in resolving disputes that arise within community-based organisations and socio-cultural associations. While statutory agencies and courts remain central to formal dispute resolution, traditional councils often intervene in matters involving communal identity, land ownership, and internal leadership disputes, reflecting the hybrid nature of governance in many parts of the country.
Ultimately, the situation is expected to test the effectiveness of internal governance structures within the Congress and the ability of stakeholders to reach consensus on contentious issues through established constitutional and traditional mechanisms across the organisation.
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