By Justus Adetomiwa,Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has cautioned the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, against alleged unlawful acquisition of land in the community, directing the monarch to return any property established to have been illegally acquired from individuals or families.
The caution was contained in a letter signed by the Executive Secretary, Bureau of Land Services, Mr. Kayode Ojo, following what the government described as a series of complaints from Iyin-Ekiti indigenes and affected families over alleged land grabbing linked to the monarch.
The government said unlawful acquisition of land violated the Land Use Act and the Ekiti State Property Protection (Anti-Land Grabbing) Law, 2024, as amended, and directed that any such activity allegedly being carried out under the authority of the monarch be stopped forthwith.
The Bureau also urged the Oluyin to ensure that all land transactions and allocations in Iyin-Ekiti were conducted in strict compliance with relevant laws.
Reacting to the government’s intervention, a group, Concerned Citizens of Iyin-Ekiti commended the state government for what it described as a timely step towards resolving the controversy and protecting the rights of affected residents.
In a statement titled, “Iyin-Ekiti Land Crisis: Kabiyesi Must Retrace His Steps, Return the Lands and Restore Peace,” the group urged the monarch to comply with the government’s directive and return lands established to have been unlawfully acquired.
The citizens said the controversy arose from allegations that ancestral properties belonging to some families were being acquired for projects linked to palace expansion, offices, a pavilion and lock-up shops.
They stressed that they were not opposed to development of the traditional institution, but insisted that such projects must be executed in accordance with the law and without dispossessing lawful property owners.
“No reasonable person should oppose genuine development in Iyin-Ekiti. A modern palace, improved infrastructure and other development projects can contribute positively to the growth and prestige of the kingdom,” the group said.
It alleged that some families whose properties were reportedly earmarked for palace expansion were not adequately consulted before demolition and fencing activities allegedly commenced, particularly around Asinsin Street.
The group further raised concerns over alleged arrests and detention of some individuals who resisted the reported exercise, calling for an investigation and assurances that affected residents would not be victimised for defending their properties.
It listed the Akinleye, Ogbede, Obarotimi, Adebomi, Olarewaju, Oni, Olaleye, George-Ojo and Otomode families, among others, as allegedly affected by the dispute.
The concerned citizens said the intervention by the Bureau of Land Services had demonstrated the importance of allowing government institutions to determine land disputes according to the law.
They urged the state government to sustain its intervention and ensure that the matter was treated strictly as a property dispute, without allowing political or personal interests to overshadow the issues involved.
They maintained that while peace was essential to the development of Iyin-Ekiti, it must be anchored on justice and respect for the rights of residents.
The group therefore urged all parties to submit to the relevant authorities and allow the law to determine ownership and other claims relating to the disputed properties.
It said the ultimate goal should be to resolve the dispute peacefully and restore confidence between the palace and affected families.
“Iyin-Ekiti does not need a palace surrounded by disputed lands. It needs a palace surrounded by the confidence, loyalty and goodwill of its people,” the statement added.