The Regent of Ifon Orolu Community in Osun State, Chief Babatunde Oyetunji, has submitted a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kehinde Longe, on behalf of the community regarding a disputed area. He accused the neighboring Ilobu community of aggressive actions. Oyetunji recounted that the people of Ilobu allegedly began constructing a new road from the Olakanla area in Ilobu to Opapa Village in the Gbere-Odofin area of Ifon-Osun. He noted that when this development was reported to the then Commissioner of Police, Wale Olokode, he intervened by inviting all parties involved to a meeting, where a resolution was reached.
However, Oyetunji expressed concern that on January 27, 2023, the Ilobu community was preparing to construct culverts and mini-bridges at Opapa Village, which he believed was an attempt to access Odofin land for commercial purposes. He emphasized that the violation of the initial peace agreement could lead to communal clashes. In his letter, he called for immediate intervention to prevent potential conflicts that could escalate due to possible counter-reactions.
In response to these allegations, the leadership of the Ilobu-Asake Development Union, representing all indigenes of Ilobu town, stated that no member of their community was engaged in development efforts in the Gbere area, as it has been a subject of dispute. In a statement signed by its president, Mr. Olufemi Salako, the group clarified that residents of Opapa had approached the Olobu for assistance in fixing drainage culverts in preparation for the rainy season. They had made several attempts to address the issue independently but sought help to prevent the road from becoming impassable, as it is crucial for transporting agricultural products to urban centers.
Salako further explained that the monarch, acting as a father figure to all, quickly mobilized resources to assist in the road repairs and the installation of the culverts. He emphasized that the rehabilitation was taking place in Opapa, not Gbere, as alleged. Additionally, he pointed out that Opapa village is distinct from Gbere, located about 5 kilometers apart, and that Opapa exclusively belongs to Ilobu, having never been a subject of dispute. The union also stated that they possess uncontroverted documentary evidence to support their claims.
Comments are closed for this story.