metro

Crisis looms as Osogbo, Ede renew claims of ownership of state secretariat complex

Published

3 years ago

January 7, 2023

There is an internecine war gradually brewing in Osun as the age long boundary dispute between the people of Osogbo the state capital and neighbouring Ede town has been reopened.
NPO Reports gathered that since the swearing in of Governor Ademola Adeleke, some people in Ede especially those at the boundary areas have been squaring up and bracing for a battle to reclaim the entire areas of the land occupied by the state secretariat complex.
It was also gathered (but could not be confirmed as at press time) that some officials of the government have been surreptitiously indicating the need to change government official communication channels such as the letter headed papers of their ministries by changing “Abere Osogbo” to “Abere Ede.”

In 2017, a group called Osogbo Descendants Association protested claims that Abere belongs Ede

The petition by Coordinators of the ODAG, Ghasali Daud and Secretary, Badru Asimiyu, protested in the petition that the land belonged to Osogbo Local Government.

The petition read in part, “The area now refer to as Abere is part of Oke-Osun Osogbo Farm Settlement and up to the late 1990s, the junction directly opposite the Osun State Secretariat was known as ” Iyana Abere” meaning junction leading to Abere.

READ ALSO:

” We have to state categorically that the location reported as Ede North Local Government falls under Osogbo Local Government and should be corrected immediately.

“The 2010 judgment of Census Tribunal ordered that the 2006 census result of that area should be added to Osogbo Local Government population figure. Till date, Ede North Local Government has never gone to appeal the judgment.
” If the place is part of Ede North Local Government, the Census Tribunal would not give a judgment that the population of that area, the Osun State Secretariat up to Police Zone XI Headquarters and its environs should be counted as part of Osogbo Local Government population.”
While Government communications had referred Abere as Osogbo.
The traditional ruler of Abere, the Alabere of Abere Oba Karimu Sanusi, had insisted Abere is part of Ede, saying it had never been part of Osogbo.
The complications are further entrenched by the fact that the consenting authority for the stool of Alabere is not the Ataoja of Osogbo but the Timi of Ede.

Shortly before the election that brought in Governor Adeleke last year, was quoted to have made a statement which many Osogbo indigenes considered an indication of his position on the Ede-Osogbo land dispute.
The Osogbo Development Action Group had accused Adeleke of saying that if elected, he would not reclaim the “Ede land” allegedly “usurped” by Osogbo.
The comment was said to have gingered Osogbo groups to hold an emergency meeting to challenge the then gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
ODAG warned that Osogbo would not trade any of her territorial heritages or any of her neighbouring communities under whatever guise.

READ ALSO:

There have been many years of acrimony some of these leading to loss of lives on both sides. About August 2013, some youths suspected to be from Ede had beaten up a commissioner under the administration of then Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the venue of the launch of the Omoluabi Garment Factory. The factory, located about one kilometre from the main gate of the Osun State secretariat, was said to be on a land belonging to Ede. But the angry youths who had accused the Commissioner of making reference to the location as Osogbo, got the beating of his life before he was rescued by security agents. NPO Reports gathered that residents of areas around the state secretariat are living in fears of possible return of hostilities which might result to loss of lives. In the past, indigenes of both Osogbo and Ede had engaged in war of sign posts by demolishing signs that each believed made claims over ownership of the disputed areas.

Hon. Taofeek Latona, who is the Chairman, Osogbo Solidarity Assembly, said in a statement that Osun Secretariat, Abere Falls Under Osogbo Local Government and not Ede North Local Government Area of the state.
Read Full State Below:
As concerned and legitimate sons and daughters of Osogbo, we are not unawares of subtle moves of the people of Ede, in recent time, to take over ownership of Abere from Osogbo, the genuine owners of the area.

The provocative move began some weeks ago when a number of correspondences of the state government of Osun left out Osogbo in the official letterheads.

Until the inauguration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the state secretariat was and formally addressed as Abere, Osogbo. But today, it is Abere, without Osogbo.

When this mischief was first enlivened, we looked away, trusting that the new Government under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke, would allow the sleeping dog lie despite the rumour that the emerging confrontation was part of his campaign messages and promises to his people in Ede.

However, the current video in circulation, of a purported Iyalode of Abere, Mrs Mujidat Olaniyi, where she was captured “transferring” ownership of the land where the state secretariat is situated to the people of Ede, has confirmed our fear. Our fear that the ploy to steal our ancestral land has the imprimatur of the state government.

Recall, the area now referred to as Abere was part of Oke-Osun Osogbo Farm Settlement and up to the late 1990s, the junction directly opposite the Osun State Secretariat was known as “Iyana Abere”-meaning a junction leading to Abere.

We insist: the land over which the Osun State Government Secretariat lies belongs to the people of Osogbo. The land was acquired from us by the government of the defunct Western Region, for the purpose of farming, after due compensation was paid.

The 2010 judgement of the Census Tribunal corroborates our claim. The Tribunal ordered then that the 2006 census result of the disputed area be added to Osogbo Local Government population figure. And as we speak, there is no available record to prove that Ede North Local Government appealed the judgement.

The implication of the foregoing is that if the place is part of Ede North Local Government, the Census Tribunal would not have given a judgement that the population of that area (the Osun State Secretariat up to Police Zone XI Headquarters and its environments) be counted as part of Osogbo Local Government population.

It’s interesting to tell members of the public that the people of Osogbo are in possession of court judgements and administrative pronouncements, dated back to colonial period, to support our claims of the land.

For this reason, we would not fold our arms while what belongs to us is taken away. We will fight it, even if it costs us our blood.

The resolve of some people in the Government of Governor Adeleke to use instrument of authority to claim ownership of Abere for Ede, after several court judgements had pronounced otherwise, is a flagrant disregard to the rule of law and an attempt to cause communal crisis, the consequences of which may be to heavy to bear for all parties involved

Up Next

Yoruba Nation throws into disarray as spokesman quits, demands accountability from Akintoye

Don't Miss

Ohanaeze disagrees with FG over plan to install toll gate on second Niger bridge

metro

Army Debunks Viral Claims by Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’, Insists Allegations Are False

Published

11 minutes ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Former lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi

Army Debunks Viral Claims by Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’, Insists Allegations Are False

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations made by former lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” describing his viral interview as misleading, false, and damaging to national security efforts.

In a statement released on April 7, the Army, through its spokesperson Appolonia Anele, clarified that Olamilekan was dismissed due to repeated acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations, not for “speaking the truth” or expressing political opinions as claimed in the interview.

According to the Army, the former soldier’s dismissal followed due process and was based on serious misconduct, including breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. These violations, the military said, involved unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation, and misuse of military uniform.

The Army stressed that the narrative being circulated online misrepresents the facts and could undermine public trust in the military, especially amid ongoing Nigeria security challenges.

READ ALSO:

Responding to claims about poor welfare, the Army rejected assertions that personnel receive only basic salaries without additional support. It explained that the Nigerian Army salary structure is governed by the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA), which ensures a transparent and structured remuneration system based on rank and years of service.

It added that soldiers are entitled to various benefits, including uniform allowances and service-related entitlements, which are paid directly into their accounts. The Army further noted that personnel deployed in combat zones—such as Operation HADIN KAI—receive operational allowances and mission-specific incentives designed to support their welfare and effectiveness.

The military also debunked claims that troops are forced to purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment, describing such allegations as entirely false. It stated that all necessary kits, including uniforms, weapons, and operational gear, are issued through established logistics systems overseen by ordnance units.

Addressing concerns about troop safety, the Army insisted that no soldier is deployed without adequate protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets. It described claims suggesting otherwise as deliberate misinformation aimed at misleading the public.

The Army warned that spreading unverified information could harm troop morale and national security, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources for accurate updates on military activities.

It concluded by calling on the public to disregard what it termed baseless allegations intended to generate sympathy and discredit the Armed Forces, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the welfare of its personnel.

The development comes as public scrutiny of the military continues to grow, with social media amplifying narratives around military welfare in Nigeria and operational transparency.

Army Debunks Viral Claims by Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’, Insists Allegations Are False

metro

FG Deports US Missionary Alex Barbir Over Alleged Role in Nigeria Insecurity

Published

14 minutes ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

FG Deports US Missionary Alex Barbir Over Alleged Role in Nigeria Insecurity

The Federal Government has expelled American missionary, Alex Barbir, over allegations that his public statements could worsen Nigeria insecurity and deepen divisions in volatile regions.

Authorities said his remarks were provocative and divisive, warning they had the potential to trigger violence, particularly in Plateau State and across the North-Central region. The decision comes at a time of heightened tension, with growing concerns about communal clashes in Nigeria.

The development was confirmed by Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central). Speaking during an interview, she stated that the government acted after carefully reviewing the impact of Barbir’s activities and public engagements.

According to her, the missionary has already been removed from the country. She explained that his actions were considered harmful to national unity, stressing that authorities could not allow statements capable of creating division to persist.

READ ALSO:

Essiet further alleged that one of Barbir’s speeches in Jos was followed by a violent incident in which two people were reportedly killed. She argued that such outcomes reinforced fears that his comments could incite unrest, even if indirectly, and justified the government’s decision to act swiftly.

Before his expulsion, Barbir had built a strong presence in parts of Benue State and Plateau, where he was widely known for humanitarian work. His activities included rebuilding homes destroyed by attacks, supporting displaced persons, and providing basic infrastructure in affected communities. In Yelwata, a community hit by violence in 2025, his organisation reportedly reconstructed several houses and assisted residents struggling to recover.

While many locals and community leaders praised his interventions for bringing relief where government response was perceived as slow, his growing influence also attracted criticism. Observers accused him of presenting the Nigeria security crisis in a manner that could heighten religious and ethnic tensions. His repeated description of the situation as a “war,” along with his public criticism of authorities, raised concerns among officials and analysts.

Barbir, however, has denied all allegations. In a video response, he defended his work, insisting that his humanitarian efforts were being overlooked while his comments were being misinterpreted. He also rejected claims linking his statements to violence, accusing government officials of misrepresentation and maintaining that he has never engaged in activities capable of inciting unrest.

Supporters of the missionary, including some religious figures, have backed him, arguing that he was merely drawing global attention to the plight of victims in conflict-affected areas. They described his work as humanitarian and faith-driven, warning that his expulsion could discourage international support for vulnerable communities.

Legal experts note that the Nigerian government has the authority to deport foreign nationals whose actions are considered a threat to public order or national security. Although freedom of expression is guaranteed, it does not extend to statements seen as capable of inciting violence or deepening divisions.

Essiet maintained that the government’s action was preventive, aimed at safeguarding unity and avoiding further escalation of tensions. She warned against narratives that could divide communities, stressing that Nigeria must avoid situations that could spiral into broader conflict.

The expulsion highlights increasing sensitivity by authorities to external voices shaping narratives around the Nigeria insecurity crisis, particularly in regions already grappling with persistent violence and fragile peace.

FG Deports US Missionary Alex Barbir Over Alleged Role in Nigeria Insecurity

metro

Lagos Announces Partial Road Closures for Project Commissioning

Published

3 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos Announces Partial Road Closures for Project Commissioning

The Lagos State Government has announced partial road closures across key parts of the state ahead of the commissioning of major infrastructure projects scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the temporary closures were necessary to ensure safety and the smooth conduct of the events.

He advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance and avoid affected corridors during the specified periods to minimise traffic disruptions.

According to the statement, the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge will be commissioned on Wednesday, April 8, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with traffic expected to be affected in the Opebi-Allen, Ikeja and Ojota areas.

“All motorists transiting this corridor during the specified hours should seek alternative routes to avoid congestion and ensure timely arrival at their destinations,” the statement read.

On Thursday, April 9, two separate commissioning events are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The first is the commissioning of the Tolu Schools Complex, which will impact traffic in the Olodi Apapa and Ajegunle areas. Motorists operating within these locations have been urged to consider alternative routes and allow additional travel time.

Later in the day, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., another event will take place at Eko Hotel and within Victoria Island, with road users advised to avoid the corridor or expect delays.

The government added that officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other traffic enforcement agencies would be deployed to manage vehicular movement and assist commuters.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the events. Authorities have also deployed 500 additional LASTMA officers to ensure effective traffic control and public safety during the commissioning programmes.