One killed in Osun community land dispute

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

A renewed clash between the Ilobu and Ifon communities in Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas of Osun State over a long-standing land dispute has claimed the life of one person.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Oke Ekutu area, a contested piece of land between the two communities.

Reports indicate that a farmer, Sikiru Onaolapo, was shot dead while working on his farm. His corpse was subsequently taken to the palace of the Olobu of Ilobu, where residents called for the intervention of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Speaking on the incident, the Otun-Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Leke Ogunsola, confirmed that the victim was from the Olobo compound in Ilobu.

Ogunsola explained that Onaolapo had gone to his farm at Oke Ekutu on Tuesday morning when he was shot. He added that witnesses near the scene reported hearing the deceased mention the name Muideen Alabata, allegedly from Ifon, before he died.

Ogunsola called for a thorough investigation into the killing and the arrest of those responsible.

However, the Secretary of Ifon-Orolu Progressives Union, Jide Akinyooye, denied any involvement of an Ifon indigene in the incident.

“An investigation should be carried out, but I can confidently say we don’t have anyone by that name in Ifon,” Akinyooye said. “Some individuals have been visiting the disputed land, which was acquired by the Osun State Government. Our king has consistently warned his subjects against going to that area.”