Osun traditional ruler warns against land grabbing in Ilesa
The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has restated his stance against land grabbing, calling on the police to maintain neutrality pending judicial rulings on land disputes within Ilesa and surrounding areas.
Oba Haastrup gave this warning during a courtesy visit by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to his palace in Ilesa.
The traditional ruler also emphasised the need for law enforcement to avoid partiality in resolving matters involving contested government lands.
The monarch disclosed that Ilesa recently came close to unrest following a dispute between the Leventis Foundation and a private individual, which was only averted by his swift intervention.
“The city of Ilesa, known for its peacefulness, would have been embroiled in chaos but for our quick action,” he said.
He explained that land-related misconduct had increased toward the end of his predecessor’s tenure, attributing it partly to the predecessor’s failing health.
Oba Haastrup stated that certain individuals were laying claim to public lands through dubious assertions and undue influence.
He urged the police to act justly and transparently in all cases.
“Some of these people flaunt connections with senior law enforcement officers to justify their unlawful actions.
“Let me be unequivocal about my abhorrence of criminal conduct for financial gain at the expense of the larger society.
“It is important that the Police High Command and the lower constituent units operate above board in manners that are impartial and equitable, and seen by all to be so,” he said.
The monarch also called for the creation of additional police divisions, especially in the Oriade local government area due to population growth and inadequate security coverage.
“I feel constrained to inform you that we have not been adequately provided with police presence,” he noted.
In his response, CP Gotan assured the Owa Obokun of the police’s readiness to maintain peace in Ijesaland and denied any involvement in the ongoing Leventis land issue.
“I never gave any order to any party to build on the land. I have no contact with the parties,” he clarified.
Gotan expressed appreciation to the monarch for his role in preventing escalation of the land dispute and noted the importance of traditional institutions in conflict resolution.
Osun traditional ruler warns against land grabbing in Ilesa
