Iyin-Ekiti Land Crisis: Return disputed lands to owners – Concerned citizens tell Oluyin

Residents of Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have urged the Oluyin, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, to restore lands that were allegedly acquired illegally to their rightful owners and take immediate steps to bring peace to the community. The demand was outlined in a statement titled, "Iyin-Ekiti Land Crisis: Kabiyesi Must Retrace His Steps, Return the Lands and Restore Peace."

The controversy, according to the group, should not be reduced to conflicting narratives or media campaigns, and the core issue is the alleged seizure of ancestral properties for projects related to palace expansion, offices, a pavilion, and lock-up shops. While residents support growth and infrastructure improvements in Iyin-Ekiti, they stress that such development must respect the rights of lawful property owners.

The statement emphasized that development projects should be carried out through consultation, consent, and proper procedures rather than actions that could lead to the loss of ancestral properties. The group alleged that some families, whose properties were earmarked for palace expansion, were not consulted or approached formally before demolition and fencing activities began.

They also claimed that more than N1 billion was allocated to the project, with chiefs assigned responsibilities for various building materials. The group questioned why, given the scale of the project, property owners were not brought together to discuss the matter. The Ekiti State Bureau of Lands was commended for its timely intervention, which involved directing the monarch to return lands that were reportedly acquired unlawfully to their original owners.

The group appreciated this move, as it highlighted Ekiti State's commitment to supporting those in need. The group expressed satisfaction that the intervention clarified the limits of traditional authority in matters involving private property rights. They urged the government not to allow the dispute to escalate into a personal conflict between the monarch and affected families, urging instead that the matter be treated strictly as a land and property dispute, allowing the law to determine the rights of all parties involved.