Tension in Ondo State as Land Grabbers Invade a Community
A quiet community in Ondo State has been thrown into turmoil following reports of an alleged land-grabbing incident in Isinkan, headquarters of Akure West LCDA. Armed individuals reportedly stormed a housing project site, forcing workers to flee and destroying equipment.
Tënsion in Ondo State as Land Grabbers Invade a Community
A quiet community in Ondo State has been thrown into turmoil following reports of an alleged land-grabbing incident in Isinkan, headquarters of Akure West LCDA. Armed individuals reportedly stormed a housing project site, forcing workers to flee and destroying equipment.
Who Owns the Land?
At the center of the dispute is a piece of land said to belong to the descendants of three families: late Chief Akin Agbi, Pa Fanibuyan, and Akinwumi. According to Mr. Akin Akinwumi, the Secretary of the families, the land has been in their lineage for over 500 years.
“This land was originally granted to our forefathers by the Iralepo of Isinkan,” Mr. Akinwumi explained. “We surveyed it, laid it out for development, and sold it to PWAN Homes Ltd. Everything was legitimate, so it’s shocking that anyone would invade the site like this.”
Accusations Fly
Mr. Akinwumi alleges that the intruders were acting on the orders of the Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo. This claim has stirred up a war of words between two monarchs—the Deji of Akureland and the Iralepo of Isinkan.
The Iralepo, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, condemned the alleged invasion, describing it as intimidation. “This is not the first time we’ve faced such interference,” he said. “Land disputes should be settled in court, not with violence. The police must investigate this and ensure justice is served.”
The land, located at Mile 13/14 Ajegunle on Ondo Road, has reportedly been surveyed and approved by government agencies, strengthening the families’ claim.
The Deji of Akureland Responds
Meanwhile, the Deji of Akureland has denied any involvement in the incident. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeleye, the monarch dismissed the allegations as “false and wicked.”
According to Adeleye, the Ajegunle community had raised concerns that the Iralepo had sold the land without consulting the rightful owners. “The palace merely invited the developer to explain the situation,” he said. “We trust the police to investigate thoroughly and hold illegal occupants accountable.”
A Community in Conflict
This incident has left the Isinkan community divided and on edge. The police are now investigating, and both sides are holding firmly to their claims.
For residents, however, the situation has disrupted the peace and progress of the area. Many are hoping for a swift resolution so that development projects can continue without further intimidation or violence.
This ongoing dispute serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying land ownership before making transactions. It also highlights the need for peaceful conflict resolution, particularly in matters as sensitive as land ownership.
As the investigation unfolds, one can only hope that justice prevails and peace is restored to the Isinkan community.
