The monarch issued the warning on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during the inauguration of a reconstituted Land Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs Committee at his palace in Ilesa, Osun State. The committee is expected to address complaints involving land disputes, alleged land grabbing and chieftaincy matters across the six local government areas in Ijesaland.

Oba Haastrup said the palace would not tolerate individuals who exploit traditional authority, family claims or security connections to intimidate legitimate landowners and developers. He also reaffirmed his earlier directive prohibiting unlawful land-grabbing activities in his domain.

The monarch acknowledged that some chiefs inherited from the previous traditional administration had allegedly become involved in land-related controversies. He said he was engaging those concerned privately while making it clear that their positions would not shield them from scrutiny.

He further warned security operatives against supporting land grabbers, stating that officers found engaging in such activities would be reported to their superiors. He called for appropriate disciplinary action, including the transfer of implicated personnel away from Ijesaland.

The eight-member committee is chaired by Pa Ebenezer Adefalu, with Professor Kola Kazeem serving as secretary. Other members include Oba Peter Adebamigbe, Reverend Abiodun Osungbohun, Isaac Orolugbagbe, Professor Olu Obi, Yemisi Ariyibi and Chief Daramola Daisi. Justice Adedotun Onibokun will serve as honorary consultant.

According to the monarch, the nominees underwent an integrity screening process led by a committee headed by former Osun State Deputy Governor Erelu Olusola Obada before their selection.

Oba Haastrup charged the members to carry out their responsibilities fairly and without fear or favour, stressing that legitimate land ownership claims and customary rights must be distinguished from unlawful demands and coercion.

He urged residents to report threats, illegal payments, harassment and attempts to obstruct lawful development to the appropriate authorities. He also advised disputing parties to present relevant documents, respect established boundaries and allow statutory agencies or courts to resolve matters within their jurisdiction.

The monarch called on traditional rulers, chiefs, families, landowners, developers, investors and community leaders to cooperate with the committee, warning against spreading rumours or taking the law into their own hands.

He said the committee must ensure that no individual or community was disadvantaged because another party wielded greater influence, adding that fairness, equality and justice should guide every decision.

Responding on behalf of the committee, chairman Pa Adefalu expressed the members’ readiness to serve with integrity and fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them.

The latest directive reinforces Oba Haastrup’s earlier position against land grabbing. Following his appointment as Owa Obokun, the monarch declared zero tolerance for unlawful land acquisition carried out in his name or under the authority of influential individuals.

The committee’s work is expected to provide a channel for handling land and chieftaincy complaints while encouraging lawful dispute resolution and protecting residents from intimidation and extortion.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media