Land grabbing, locally known as “omo onile wahala,” has become a pervasive issue in Ibadan and its surrounding communities, threatening the security of land ownership and undermining investment confidence.
Unauthorized individuals and groups seize parcels of land, intimidate rightful owners, and sell properties without legal title, contravening the Land Use Act and endangering lives and development projects.
Common tactics employed by land grabbers include double selling of the same parcel to multiple buyers, forging of survey plans and title documents, use of physical force to harass occupants, gradual encroachment of boundary markers, and unauthorized construction on seized land.
To protect their rights, landowners are advised to secure robust legal documentation such as Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, registered deed of assignment, and certified survey plans.
Properly executed and registered paperwork strengthens owners’ legal standing and deters fraudulent claims.
Victims of land grabbing should report incidents to the police and seek assistance from local law enforcement agencies to halt illegal activities.
Injunctions can be filed in land courts to stop unauthorized construction or occupation of disputed properties.
Legal experts recommend that owners pursue both civil and criminal actions against perpetrators to enforce their rights and secure justice.
Conducting thorough due diligence before purchasing property is crucial; this includes verifying title documents at the Land Registry and ensuring boundary surveys are certified.
Community vigilance and cooperation with traditional councils and local authorities can help identify and stop encroachment early.
By staying informed and proactive, landowners in Ibadan can better protect their properties from illegal grabbers and contribute to a safer land market.
