The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a landlord and his associate following the death of a tenant, identified as Olayeni, in the Oriyangi area of Ibadan.
Reports indicate that the dispute began on Wednesday when Olayeni was confronted over his inability to pay rent. The altercation allegedly escalated, with the landlord’s associate striking the tenant. Despite the intervention of emergency responders, Olayeni was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, said:
“On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, a tragic event in Ibadan’s Oriyangi area resulted in a tenant’s death after a dispute with his landlord over rent payments.
“During the altercation, the landlord’s associate allegedly struck the tenant, Olayeni, leading to his collapse. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“The suspects have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is underway. The Oyo State Police Command expresses condolences to the victim’s family and assures that justice will be served.”
The incident has reignited concerns over the rising cost of rent across Nigeria, sparking renewed calls for government intervention to prevent violent clashes between landlords and tenants.
This tragedy recalls a similar case in 2011 when a landlord in Ibadan was arrested for allegedly killing his tenant, Jelili Akande, during an argument over a N300 electricity bill.
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