Osun monarchs meet peace committee over communities’ land dispute

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Traditional rulers from Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities in Osun State have met with the state government’s peace committee to find a lasting resolution to their long-standing land dispute.

The meeting, held in Osogbo, marked the first physical appearance of the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye; the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan; and the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye, before the committee since its formation.

Under warning from the state government, the monarchs pledged their commitment to peace and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.

Sources at the meeting revealed that while some contentious issues remain unresolved, the monarchs agreed to adopt a “give and take” approach in the interest of lasting peace.

Co-chairman of the committee, Comrade Waheed Lawal, said the team had visited the disputed buffer zones and received written submissions from all three communities, which were endorsed by their representatives.

He added that the details of the committee’s deliberations would be made public upon the submission of its report to the government, expected soon. Lawal expressed optimism that the process would produce a sustainable resolution.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had previously imposed several curfews in the affected communities to curb recurring violence, but those measures failed to fully restore peace.

In response, the state formed an expanded peace committee, chaired by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, and co-chaired by Lawal, alongside four other traditional rulers, to mediate and foster dialogue among the warring communities.