Osun CP intervenes in Iwaro–Asipa land dispute, warns against violence
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has intervened in the lingering land dispute between Iwaro and Asipa communities in Ife North Local Government Area, warning that anyone who foments fresh violence will face the full wrath of the law.
Gotan, who paid a peace visit to the communities at the weekend, stressed the importance of lasting peace for the benefit of future generations.
He said, “Peace is valuable. Without peace, there can be no development. As policemen and other security agencies, we cannot achieve this alone. We need the support of traditional rulers. We must put aside ego. What legacy do we want to leave our children — hatred, conflict, killings, and destruction? This must stop.”
The Police Commissioner cautioned further, saying, “I don’t want any problem. I will clamp down on anyone who causes unrest again. If you have any case, take it to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, or the court.”
Oba Dr. Emmanuel Ayoola of Iwaro raised alarm over continued attacks on his people by the Asipa community. He recalled that the crisis began in 2016/2017 over a controversial white paper, now being challenged in court, noting that his palace was destroyed, farmlands vandalized, and properties looted.
The monarch lamented the killing of one of his subjects nine days before his coronation and alleged threats to his life. “They told me to my face that they would assassinate me. We want justice for the two men killed on our land. We will not accept if this matter is buried,” he declared.
On his part, the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Oyekanmi Alasipa, appealed for calm and insisted that his community stands for peace.
He explained that previous meetings of traditional rulers identified rumour-mongering and fake news as the root of tension, adding: “We resolved that whenever there is an issue, we should call one another and resolve it. The three towns — Iwaro, Ipetumodu, and Asipa — must work together to settle conflicts. There is no society without bad elements, but we can fish them out if we unite as a team. We are people of peace, and we will never allow criminals to thrive.”
