By Our Correspondent

National News – The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has halted the planned demolition of 186 houses at Isokan Estate Extension in the Alao-Akala, Elebu area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The intervention followed protests by affected landlords who stormed the monarch’s residence on Sunday after roofs were removed from several homes ahead of demolition linked to a court judgment.

The dispute involves land ownership claims by Mogaji Olopade Taofeek Abiola, also known as Mogaji Oloyin, who reportedly secured a favourable ruling from an Ibadan High Court.

The landlords told the Olubadan that demolition activities began between Thursday and Friday, leaving many residents fearful of losing their homes.

Some fences were also destroyed as tension spread across the community.

In response, the monarch summoned stakeholders to a meeting at his Bodija residence on Tuesday, where he ordered an immediate suspension of further demolition and allowed homeowners to repair damaged rooftops.

Oba Ladoja warned land grabbers to stay away from the disputed area, stressing that Ibadan would not tolerate illegal land acquisition.

He explained that fresh boundary markings would be carried out by independent surveyors under the supervision of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development to determine the rightful ownership of the land.

The monarch also praised the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, for deploying officers quickly to prevent violence and maintain peace in the community.

According to the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, neighbouring communities including Alausa, Aromokun and Oluyedun were also under threat, raising fears that more than 400 houses could eventually face demolition if the dispute escalates.

Residents expressed relief over the intervention, describing the monarch’s action as timely and necessary to prevent displacement and protect affected families.