The Adegbenla family of Gbenla compound in Ibadan North, Oyo State, has formally complained about unauthorized construction occurring on their ancestral burial grounds. Chief Kazeem Ishola-Gbenla, the family Mogaji, submitted a petition to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Police Commissioner Abimbola Olugbenga, and Commissioner for Lands Williams Akin-Funmilayo.
The family claims that individuals including Badmus Asimiyu, Sodiq Olasunkanmi Ajibola, and Alhaji Ajibola have illegally encroached on their land. These individuals allegedly sold the property to one another despite having no familial connection to the Gbenla lineage. The petitioners report that these actions include blocking access roads and disrupting peace within the family compound. Although local town planning authorities reportedly marked the structures for demolition, the builders have allegedly continued work on weekends, claiming they have special approval from the Commissioner for Lands.
In response, Badmus Asimiyu maintains that he and his siblings are the legitimate owners. During a telephone interview, he argued that his grandmother was granted the land long ago for commercial use and that his family has maintained possession of the site for generations, including settling the issue with a former Mogaji.