A protracted and bitter land dispute between the Nigerian Army and sixteen communities in Ogun State has escalated, prompting urgent intervention from both state and federal lawmakers. The conflict, which dates back to 1977, involves over 1,791 acres of ancestral land in the Apunren-Ijebu area of Ijebu-North East Local Government.
Decades of Tension Boil Over into Fresh Demolitions
The immediate crisis was triggered by fresh demolition exercises allegedly carried out by the Nigerian Army on homes, farm settlements, churches, and other properties. Community leaders report that soldiers entered villages with weapons, ordering contractors to demolish structures, an action that has left residents traumatised and displaced.
The Secretary-General of the Apunren-Ijebu Community, Adeoluwa Adenaike, provided a historical account, tracing the dispute to 1977 when surveyors marked the vast land area for the Army without prior consultation. He stated that over 7,000 people were already living on the land at the time. The community's traditional council rejected the move, refused compensation, and placed a curse on any collaborators.
Adenaike accused the military of exceeding the portion originally allocated to them. He described the current situation as a "human tragedy", citing widespread fear, abandoned farms, spreading hunger, and trauma-related deaths. He specifically mentioned the death of Baale Chief Bashola Akibu Omotoso, a village head who reportedly died after hearing news of the demolitions. "These are not stories. There are graves we can show you," Adenaike told visiting officials.
Political Leaders Step In With Promises of Resolution
In response to the community's alarm, former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, visited the aggrieved communities on January 11, 2026. He urged residents to maintain peace and promised to present their case before the Senate for investigation within three weeks.
"I can assure you that issues pertaining to soldiers are not easy to tackle. However, now that our own son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is President, the issue will be finally resolved," Daniel stated. He pledged to engage the Nigerian Army to halt further demolitions pending a legislative resolution. The Senate is set to summon both parties for dialogue after resuming on January 27, 2026.
Simultaneously, the Ogun State House of Assembly conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities. Led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, the lawmakers assured the people of Apunren-Ijebu and other villages near Erunwon that immediate steps would be taken to address the issue.
A Call for Jubilee and Permanent Solution
Speaker Elemide explained that the crisis stemmed from the failure to properly gazette a later review that had reduced the portion allocated to the Army. A controversial 1987 gazette reportedly reinstated the larger expanse, creating decades of uncertainty. He called for residents to remain peaceful as elected representatives work on the matter.
The Kabiyesi of Apunren Kingdom, Oba Jimson Owode Oyelaja, appealed for intervention, noting the dispute has lasted nearly 50 years and that his kingdom has existed for over six centuries. He lamented the loss of lives and destruction of schools, hospitals, and homes.
Adding his voice, Major General S. A. Odunsi (Rtd), who presented the community's case, appealed for urgent action. As the dispute approaches its 50th anniversary, he urged the government to make 2026 a "year of jubilee" for the affected communities by restoring their rights and ending the long-standing hardship. The State Assembly has promised to deliberate on the matter and communicate a resolution to the appropriate federal authorities.
