Fresh crisis looms in Osun communities over disputed land
A fresh crisis is looming in Ifon-Ilobu communities of Osun state over alleged trespass on land, and excavation of sand and gravel in Opapa village, which the government has declared as a “Restricted Area.
The peaceful atmosphere in the area took flight in early October, this year, as militants from both communities clashed, killed residents and burnt houses over ownership of a disputed land.
The dispute lasted for days before security agencies were able to restore order, with no fewer than eight persons killed.
Over a month after the leaders of the communities signed a peace accord and security agents, including soldiers deployed to the communities, there are fresh allegations that the caretaker vice-chairman of Irepodun Local Council, which houses the communities, Mr Asif Azeez, has been leading some thugs from Ilobu to excavate sand and gravel from the disputed parcel of land.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the Secretary of Ifon-Osun Progressive Union Board of Trustees, Jide Akinyooye, accused Azeez of brandishing guns and shielding some thugs led by one Ola David to terrorise the people of Ifon-Osun. He is also alleged to have invaded the land, which was already marked restricted by the state governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Akinyooye urged Governor Adeleke to intervene to forestall a repeat of war in the communities.
He called on the Inspector General of Police through the Osun State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to recover sophisticated guns allegedly in possession of Azeez, investigate his source of arms and ammunition and apprehend a gang of thugs who illegally excavate sand and gravel on the land.
We have reached a point, where it has become imperative to make members of public and security agencies understand that a few personalities led by Mr. Asif Azeez, the Caretaker Vice-Chairman of Irepodun local council Ilobu have been abusing his political office to give cover to other thugs.
Besides the violation of the Peace Pact signed with the Osun State Government, it is alarming that Mr Asif Azeez and his collaborators have continued to threaten the lives of Olokanla people, who are traditional tenants of the Olufon of Ifon- Orolu Kingdom and other chiefs including people of Orolu local council,” he said.
Efforts made to get reactions from Mr Azeez as of press time were unsuccessful. His telephone line could not be reached.
