‘Save our homes from illegal demolition’ – Osun residents cry to IGP, Adeleke

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By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Residents of Ifesowapo communities in Osogbo, Osun State, have cried out to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene over alleged illegal demolition of homes and properties by suspected hoodlums.

The affected areas—Camp, Jaye, Powerline, and Aderin—have been thrown into chaos following a series of invasions by individuals claiming to enforce a court judgment. The residents say these actions have led to the destruction of properties worth billions of naira, despite a subsisting court order halting such moves.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Sola Omidiran alleged that a woman identified as Mrs. Mistura Busari, along with others, began demolishing homes in April 2025, claiming to act on a judgment from a case she filed against Hepzibah Holdings Ltd. He said investigations revealed the judgment was fraudulently obtained by superimposing a 2024 survey plan on old judgments from 1982 and 1997.

Omidiran further stated that residents had approached the Osun State High Court to set aside the order, prompting Justice A.O. Oyebiyi to issue a stay of execution on June 3, 2025. The case was adjourned to June 13 for further proceedings.

Despite the stay order, residents said the suspected land-grabbers returned on July 4 with unidentified thugs to continue demolitions. “We watched in disbelief as our homes and properties were brought down unlawfully,” Omidiran said.

Another community leader, Muili Folorunso, who is also a member of the Iyiolu Alare family—the ancestral owners of the land—condemned the continued harassment of residents. He urged security agencies and government authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice prevails.

The residents are demanding the immediate enforcement of the court’s stay order and protection from further destruction. “We’ve lived peacefully here for over 40 years. This is our home. We need help before more damage is done,” they said.