The Association of Traditional Baales in Ibadanland has commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, for his firm warning against open grazing across the ancient city, describing the move as a decisive step toward safeguarding peace, farmlands, and livelihoods.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the association said the monarch’s directive reflects a strong commitment to protecting the cultural and economic heritage of Ibadanland while preventing conflicts linked to uncontrolled cattle grazing.
The group also praised the Department of State Services for the recent arrests of suspected land grabbers, noting that the development followed thorough investigations and conflict-resolution initiatives championed by traditional authorities.
According to the statement signed by the Chairman of the association, Baale Folorunso Durojaye Bamitale Ige, the achievements were strengthened by the work of a five-member Legal Advisory Committee led by Adeniyi Akintola, which provided detailed legal analysis and practical recommendations to address the problem of land grabbing.
The association described the Anti-Land Grabbing Advisory Committee as a critical structure for sustaining the fight against illegal land encroachment and maintaining order in Ibadanland.
While applauding the progress made so far, the traditional leaders called for similar interventions in areas experiencing land disputes, particularly in Oluyole Local Government Area, where conflicts involving Lafiku, Alakaso, and Okeseeyin communities were reported.
They also urged authorities to resolve the lingering dispute between Kiabi Village and Sinko through legal and traditional mechanisms.
The Baales reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Olubadan’s leadership and collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring peace, justice, and sustainable development across Ibadanland.
Read full press statement below:
ASSOCIATION OF TRADITIONAL BAALES, IBADANLAND COMMENDS OLUBADAN FOR STERN WARNING ON OPEN GRAZING, DSS ARRESTS OF LAND GRABBERS
The Association of Traditional Baales, Ibadanland heartily commends His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), for his resolute stance against open grazing of cows across Ibadanland. This timely and stern warning underscores the Olubadan’s unwavering commitment to preserving peace, protecting farmlands, and upholding the cultural and economic integrity of our revered land.
We particularly celebrate the swift arrests effected by the Department of State Services (DSS) of notorious land grabbers. These breakthroughs stem directly from effective investigations and conflict-resolution efforts spearheaded by the Royal Majesties. At the heart of this success lies the exemplary work of the five-member Legal Advisory Committee, ably led by Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN. The committee delivered a thorough legal analysis of land grabbing, offering critical insights and actionable recommendations to curb this menace. This Anti-Land Grabbing Advisory Committee now stands as a bulwark, poised to strengthen ongoing efforts against illegal land encroachments.
The Association urges that this model of excellence be urgently replicated in other hotspots. We call for similar decisive interventions in the escalating land conflict in Oluyole Local Government Area involving Lafiku, Alakaso, Okeseeyin, and the suspected notorious land grabber (suspended Baale Oyetunde). Likewise, the lingering dispute between Kiabi Village and Sinko demands the same rigorous legal scrutiny and resolution.
His Imperial Majesty’s visionary leadership continues to inspire unity and justice in Ibadanland. The Association of Traditional Baales remains resolute in supporting these initiatives for a secure and prosperous Ibadanland.
Signed
Baale Folorunso Durojaye Bamitale Ige (JP)
Baale Olohunde Ige
Chairman, Association of Traditional Baales, Ibadanland
Phone08033524252
February 13, 2026
