Our 350-Year-Old Ancestral Land Under Threat, Ogun Community Cries to Abiodun

The residents of Ikangba Community in Ogun State have implored Governor Dapo Abiodun to step in and resolve a dispute over their ancestral land, warning that ongoing harassment could result in violence. At a press conference in Abeokuta, the community's representatives claimed that persistent land grabbers were attempting to claim the disputed property, despite previous efforts by security forces to intervene.

Prince Adegbuyi Osun Onaneye, one of the community's descendants, traced their claim to the land back to Oba Osundeku Oriyin, who came to power in 1675. He argued that the land belonged to the late king, and their family had been its rightful owners for centuries. On behalf of the community, Prince Olufemi Oluleye stated that the dispute had escalated to a dangerous level, and the community was compelled to seek public intervention.

He pleaded with Governor Abiodun to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life or dispossession of the ancestral land. The community accused some individuals involved in the dispute of using security personnel to intimidate them and gain control of the land. Two local residents were reportedly arrested and released after reviewing their case.

The Ogun State Police Command also intervened after the Commissioner of Police invited the parties to discuss their positions. Despite these interventions, the community claimed that harassment persisted, with reports of maiming and shootings on the land, creating an atmosphere of fear among community members. The representatives emphasized that they were not seeking to bypass legal processes or replace the courts and security agencies.

Their sole demand was for the law to prevail and for the community to remain on their ancestral land, free from intimidation or threats from anyone, regardless of their social standing.