Members of the Oyetunde family, one of Ibadan’s prominent royal lineages that has produced two past Olubadans, have petitioned Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa I), accusing a serving High Chief, Amidu Ajibade, of backing land grabbers in their long-standing property dispute.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Baale Jelili Oyetunde alleged that Chief Ajibade, in collaboration with an official of the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing Agency, Busari Isa, has been supporting a group of individuals attempting to forcefully seize their ancestral land at Ayegun Olomi Olojuoro Village in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to Baale Oyetunde, the land in question is part of the family inheritance of descendants of two former Olubadans — Olubadan Petuoshin Oyetunde I (installed in 1946) and Olubadan Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II (who reigned between 1971 and 1976).
He claimed that despite existing court judgments in 1910, 1922, and 1938, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1939 that affirmed the Oyetunde family’s ownership, certain individuals — including Baale Alimi Yusuf Lafiku, Saheed Olawoyin (popularly known as Omo Egun), Morufu Okeseyin, and Baale Olonde Ige — have continued to encroach on the property, with alleged backing from Chief Ajibade and Isa.
“Despite a pending court case, these people have been invading our land, destroying properties, and inflicting injuries on our family members,” Baale Oyetunde lamented. “We are shocked that some respected persons in government and the traditional council are supporting this illegality.”
He appealed to Governor Makinde to direct the state’s anti-land grabbing agency to act impartially and to ensure justice is served. He also urged Olubadan Ladoja, known for his zero tolerance for land grabbing, to call Chief Ajibade to order before the situation escalates further.
The Oyetunde family reiterated their commitment to peaceful resolution but warned that continued harassment and encroachment could lead to unrest if not promptly addressed.
