-Deborah Akinyosoye
Tension is escalating between the Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State following the killing of a farmer, Onaolapo Sikiru, an indigene of Ilobu, on a disputed parcel of land in Oke-Ekutu.
The two neighboring towns have been embroiled in a land dispute for over a decade, with multiple attempts at resolution failing to yield results.
According to the Ilobu community, gunmen allegedly from Ifon attacked and fatally shot Sikiru, who was working on his farm. Chief Leke Ogunsola, spokesperson for the Olobu Palace, claimed that the victim identified his assailant as one Muideen Alabata from Ifon before succumbing to his injuries.
“Sikiru Onaolapo is the victim from Olobu compound. He went to his farm at Oke-Ekutu this morning and was shot dead. Those close to the scene said the deceased mentioned one Muideen Alabata from Ifon,” Ogunsola said.
He added, “The Ilobu community demands that security agencies arrest the suspect and conduct a thorough investigation into the killing.”
Reacting to the allegations, Prince Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Ifon-Orolu Descendants Union, denied any involvement of Ifon indigenes in the incident.
“I can confirm authoritatively that no Ifon indigene is involved in any shooting as claimed. The land in question is part of Olufon’s property, which the State Government acquired to reduce tension between the two communities,” Akinyooye said.
He accused the Ilobu community of escalating tensions and urged them to address internal issues rather than attributing blame to Ifon.
The Osun State Government had previously intervened in the land dispute by acquiring the contentious area to ease tensions. Despite these efforts, sporadic violence has persisted.
Community leaders have called on security agencies to restore peace and conduct an impartial investigation to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
This latest incident highlights the fragile relationship between the two communities and underscores the need for lasting solutions to land disputes in the area.