The Iwoye United Kingdoms (IUK), a historic coordinating body in Ogun State, has raised a loud alarm over alleged widespread land grabbing and the wanton destruction of property valued at hundreds of millions of naira within Iwoye land. The group has urgently called on the Ogun State Government and security agencies to intervene and prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the community.
Historic Community Alleges Vehement Destruction
The IUK, which represents the nine autonomous kingdoms that united in 1831 to form Ago-Iwoye, issued a strongly-worded communiqué following a crucial meeting. The group traced its historical roots to survivors of the Gbedeke/Kele War of 1831 from kingdoms like Ibipe, Isamuro, Idode, Imere, Igan, Odesinusi, Imosu, and present-day Ako, who were hosted by the Imososi people in what is now known as Ago-Iwoye.
In the document, the IUK pointed an accusing finger directly at the incumbent Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul Rasaq Adesina Adenugba, alleging his involvement in what they termed "vehement and destructive" land-grabbing activities. The allegations paint a picture of systematic devastation across several areas.
Staggering Financial Losses and Personal Agonies
The communiqué detailed massive financial losses. It claimed that large tracts of land in the Ayere, Owode, and Okebiri areas were bulldozed, destroying food and cash crops valued at approximately N60 million on 154 acres. In a more devastating claim, the group stated that about 600 acres of land at Moborode, Aba Paanu, were completely cleared, with total losses estimated at a staggering N250 million.
The land was allegedly sold to an agricultural company, which has reportedly begun advertising it to prospective farmers. The human cost behind these numbers was voiced by several affected residents:
Mr. Folorunso Shodipe of Abule Aiyere said land grabers bulldozed his farm, destroying all cash crops and even carting away traditional deities from the land.
Prof. Adefala Adeniyi from Isamuro said he was abroad when the destruction started. "I had to cut short my journey and return in June. When I saw what had happened, I was deeply disturbed," he stated, adding that he was informed the perpetrators had met with the Kabiyesi and some elders.
Obaruwa of Isamuro Kingdom, Nelson Ademola Oduntan, lamented the bulldozing of farmlands. Emmanuel Olukayode Otubaga, an 86-year-old farmer from Okerigba, claimed his farm was forcibly taken and 108 palm trees were destroyed.
Mrs. Elizabeth Adesanya of Aba Paanu alleged her farm was destroyed in June. "They uprooted my cocoa, coconut, kolanut, and orange trees. They collected N50,000 from me along with aromatic schnapps, promising not to touch my farm, but later destroyed everything," she recounted.
Baale of Aba Paanu, Olusegun Banjo, expressed deep concern over continued encroachment on land founded in 1920. He revealed that the matter is now before the Department of State Services (DSS) and the state’s anti-land-grabbing office, Agbeloba, in Abeokuta.
Monarch's Firm Rejection of Allegations
In his reaction, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul Rasaq Adenugba, dismissed all allegations as the handiwork of mischief-makers intent on sowing discord. The monarch asserted that the dispute originated from his refusal to replace a Baale who had been duly installed through a stakeholder-agreed communiqué.
Oba Adenugba emphasized that during his over two decades on the throne, Ago-Iwoye has enjoyed peace, growth, and development. He defended his position by stating that gazetted documents from his predecessors show the disputed land belongs to the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, adding that similar unrest occurred before his reign.
"I am being persecuted because of my straightforwardness and my commitment to the truth," the Oba said. "The late Awujale of Ijebuland taught us to always stand by the truth."
The situation remains tense as the community awaits action from the government and security agencies, with millions in losses and communal harmony hanging in the balance.
