In a dramatic turn of events in Osun State, the recent coronation of Oba Yusuf Jelili Olaiya as the Ajeniju of Halleluyah has reignited centuries old land dispute between Ede and Osogbo. The dispute, rooted in colonial-era territorial claims, has escalated tensions and thrust long-standing grievances into the public eye again.
The deep-seated dispute, each with its own historical and cultural attachments to the contested land is already snowballing into a supremacy battle within the state. While politicians were also capitalising on it to push their agenda and mobilise support for their dreams. ...CONTINUE READING
Apart from boundaries issue with Osogbo, Ede is also at loggerheads with some other communities over land. Some of the areas currently subjects of controversy include: Abeere, Ogo-Oluwa, Halleluyah, Ido-Osun, Agunbelewo, Edunabon-Ife and Awo
The recent installation of Oba Olaiya, in a domain that already has its own traditional institution, loyal to Osogbo, is being celebrated in Ede as a symbol of historical importance. However, this event heightened the conflict over a coveted parcel of land that both communities value highly for its economic and cultural significance.
For the indigenes of Ede, the new Oba’s ascension represents a chance to assert their historical claims and bolster their traditional authority. They view his leadership as a beacon of Ede’s enduring resilience and a critical step towards reclaiming what they consider their ancestral land.
On the other hand, Osogbo, with its own deep historical ties to the contested land, perceives the appointment of Oba Olaiya as a direct challenge to its established rights. The people of Osogbo argued that dispute over boundaries was not new. They cited past failed attempts by the previous Timi(s) of Ede to claim parts of Osogboland in 1879, 1929, 1935, 1951, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2006 and 2010.
According to them, these attempts were all unsuccessful, but reaffirmed Osogbo’s status as the rightful owner of its territory. Osogbo indigenes asserted that all evidence, judgments and administrative records support their claims and are accessible.
Some Osogbo residents accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of bias, alleging that he is favouring Ede and its paramount ruler, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, by supporting what they perceive as an expansionist agenda. They argued that the governor’s actions and inactions are seen as preferential treatment, exacerbating tensions between the communities.
The people of Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government, have also raised concerns about a potential change in the designation of their community as the host of the MKO Abiola Airport.
They alleged that the Adeleke administration is attempting to alter the airport’s host community designation to include Ede: “Recent references to the airport as MKO Abiola International Airport, Ido Osun, Ede North/Egbedore Local Government Areas are fraudulent and misleading.”
Prince Abass Adeyeye, President, Ido-Osun Youth Forum, specifically accused Bashiru Salam, chairman of the airport committee, of leading this alleged effort. Adeyeye insisted that the airport was never co-hosted by Ido-Osun and Ede. He called on Adeleke and security agencies to address and rectify the situation promptly to prevent potential communal conflict.
Osogbo Development Action Group’s (ODAG) coordinator and secretary, Mr Ajani Lukman and Mr Oladejo Suhaib respectively, in response to the documents circulating on social media containing survey plans, court’s judgment and others, voiced strong objections to what they view as encroachments by Ede.
They accused Oba Lawal of overreaching in his claims and making provocative statements about Osogbo and the surrounding local government areas.
ODAG called for state intervention, demanding the cancellation of Oba Olaiya’s controversial installation, the invalidation of disputed land surveys and the demolition of structures allegedly built on land claimed by Osogbo. It also called for a judicial inquiry to resolve the persistent disputes and ensure lasting peace.
Compounding the situation, the group raised concerns about the designation of the Osun State Secretariat: “Naming it Abere rather than Osogbo undermines Osogbo’s status as the state capital and can escalate into a constitutional issue if not urgently addressed.
“If this aggression is not curtailed on time and the areas are left prone to security threats, it would not do the state any good and would appear as if the governor is abusing his position to lord Ede over other towns by encroaching on their lands including Osogbo and Olorunda LGs.
“It’s totally absurd for an appointed Chief to overlord on Osogbo land. It is audaciously laughable for Timi to claim ownership of a place like Agunbelewo and other places in that axis which have never been a subject of dispute.”
Attempts to contact Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson by phone regarding the allegations against the governor and his administration were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and the text messages remained unreturned
He was called twice on Tuesday before sending text message that was not replied. Again, yesterday, Wednesday, he was called in the morning. He rejected the call and did not call back.
However, when contacted yesterday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Adam Akintunde Akindeere, who is also Ede indigene, said: “That is no issue. It is the opposition making issue out of nothing. All these attempts were meant to tarnish the image of the governor and our monarch, Oba Lawal.
“They are all out to destroy the cordial relationship between Ede and Oshogbo and pull down the administration of Governor Adeleke.
“You are invited to a press conference that will hold on Thursday (today). All these issues will be addressed by our elders and leaders.”
Osun State Police Command acting Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Giwa-Alade Emmanuel, said the absence of the Commissioner of Police (CP) has not allowed the command to reach a conclusion on the matter: “There has not been management meeting because the CP is not around.
“When the CP returns, we will review the matter and hold a press briefing to tell the public our findings.”
Source:: The Sun
