Oyo landlord, associate arrested over tenant’s death during rent fight

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a landlord and his associate in connection with the death of a tenant, identified as Olayeni, in the Oriyangi area of Ibadan, the state capital.

Olayeni was reportedly struck during a dispute over his inability to pay rent on Wednesday.

The attack, allegedly carried out by the landlord’s associate, led to the tenant’s death despite efforts by emergency responders.

In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident.

The statement read, “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 public debate over the rising cost of house rent across Nigeria, with calls for government intervention to prevent avoidable clashes between landlords and tenants.

This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. In 2011, the police arrested another landlord in Ibadan for allegedly killing his tenant, Jelili Akande, during a dispute over a N300 electricity bill.