Osun: Police chief urges peace in Ife North clash
The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Police Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has appealed for calm between Iwaro and Asipa communities in Ife North Local Government Area.
CP Gotan made this call on Thursday following a long-standing land dispute that has claimed lives and caused widespread destruction.
He had led senior officers on a peace mission to the two towns, warning residents against further violence and stressing that those instigating unrest would face the full weight of the law.
At Iwaro, the Osun Police boss expressed dissatisfaction with the hostility and ed dialogue instead of bloodshed.
“Whoever starts conflict again will face his or her offence,” he declared.
The Oluwaro of Iwaro, Oba Dr Emmanuel Adesokan Ayoola, welcomed the visit but lamented that his people had endured repeated attacks since 2017 despite a white paper on land ownership that was already approved by the court.
He alleged that groups from Asipa had stormed his town, destroyed his palace, attacked farmers, and looted harvests.
He also recalled that one of his subjects was killed on his farmland just nine days before his coronation.
“The government shouldn’t show favouritism or bias. They should be able to deal with whoever is found guilty of any offence,” Oba Ayoola appealed
At Asipa, CP Gotan stressed the importance of peace and forgiveness while urging residents to resolve disputes legally rather than through violent confrontations.
“Without peace there can be no development. I will personally deal with anyone who instigates fresh trouble between the two communities,” he warned.
The Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Babawale Mufutau Oyehan, pledged his community’s support for peace, commending the police for their intervention and assuring cooperation with security agencies to maintain order.
He emphasised that land should not be the basis for endless hostility, noting that both towns share historical and cultural ties.
“We met ourselves here, and there will be nobody who can claim this land. I don’t see any reason why we should prioritise materialism because in the end, it’s all about eternity. Leaders will one day give account before the Creator who gave us life,” the monarch stated.
He gave assurances that peace would henceforth prevail, describing Iwaro and Asipa as neighbours bound together by common heritage.
Osun: Police chief urges peace in Ife North clash
