metro

Land dispute creates tension in Osogbo, Ede

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2024

Land dispute creates tension in Osogbo, Ede

In a dramatic turn of events in Osun State, the recent coronation of Oba Yusuf Jelili Olaiya as the Ajeniju of Halleluyah has reignited centuries old land dispute between Ede and Osogbo. The dispute, rooted in colonial-era territorial claims, has escalated tensions and thrust long-standing grievances into the public eye again.

The deep-seated dispute, each with its own historical and cultural attachments to the contested land is already snowballing into a supremacy battle within the state. While politicians were also capitalising on it to push their agenda and mobilise support for their dreams.

Apart from boundaries issue with Osogbo, Ede is also at loggerheads with some other communities over land. Some of the areas currently subjects of controversy include: Abeere, Ogo-Oluwa, Halleluyah, Ido-Osun, Agunbelewo, Edunabon-Ife and Awo

The recent installation of Oba Olaiya, in a domain that already has its own traditional institution, loyal to Osogbo, is being celebrated in Ede as a symbol of historical importance. However, this event heightened the conflict over a coveted parcel of land that both communities value highly for its economic and cultural significance.

For the indigenes of Ede, the new Oba’s ascension represents a chance to assert their historical claims and bolster their traditional authority. They view his leadership as a beacon of Ede’s enduring resilience and a critical step towards reclaiming what they consider their ancestral land.

On the other hand, Osogbo, with its own deep historical ties to the contested land, perceives the appointment of Oba Olaiya as a direct challenge to its established rights. The people of Osogbo argued that dispute over boundaries was not new. They cited past failed attempts by the previous Timi(s) of Ede to claim parts of Osogboland in 1879, 1929, 1935, 1951, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2006 and 2010.

READ ALSO:

According to them, these attempts were all unsuccessful, but reaffirmed Osogbo’s status as the rightful owner of its territory. Osogbo indigenes asserted that all evidence, judgments and administrative records support their claims and are accessible.

Some Osogbo residents accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of bias, alleging that he is favouring Ede and its paramount ruler, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, by supporting what they perceive as an expansionist agenda. They argued that the governor’s actions and inactions are seen as preferential treatment, exacerbating tensions between the communities.

The people of Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government, have also raised concerns about a potential change in the designation of their community as the host of the MKO Abiola Airport.

They alleged that the Adeleke administration is attempting to alter the airport’s host community designation to include Ede: “Recent references to the airport as MKO Abiola International Airport, Ido Osun, Ede North/Egbedore Local Government Areas are fraudulent and misleading.”

Prince Abass Adeyeye, President, Ido-Osun Youth Forum, specifically accused Bashiru Salam, chairman of the airport committee, of leading this alleged effort. Adeyeye insisted that the airport was never co-hosted by Ido-Osun and Ede. He called on Adeleke and security agencies to address and rectify the situation promptly to prevent potential communal conflict.

Osogbo Development Action Group’s (ODAG) coordinator and secretary, Mr Ajani Lukman and Mr Oladejo Suhaib respectively, in response to the documents circulating on social media containing survey plans, court’s judgment and others, voiced strong objections to what they view as encroachments by Ede.

They accused Oba Lawal of overreaching in his claims and making provocative statements about Osogbo and the surrounding local government areas.

ODAG called for state intervention, demanding the cancellation of Oba Olaiya’s controversial installation, the invalidation of disputed land surveys and the demolition of structures allegedly built on land claimed by Osogbo. It also called for a judicial inquiry to resolve the persistent disputes and ensure lasting peace.

READ ALSO:

Compounding the situation, the group raised concerns about the designation of the Osun State Secretariat: “Naming it Abere rather than Osogbo undermines Osogbo’s status as the state capital and can escalate into a constitutional issue if not urgently addressed.

“If this aggression is not curtailed on time and the areas are left prone to security threats, it would not do the state any good and would appear as if the governor is abusing his position to lord Ede over other towns by encroaching on their lands including Osogbo and Olorunda LGs.

“It’s totally absurd for an appointed Chief to overlord on Osogbo land. It is audaciously laughable for Timi to claim ownership of a place like Agunbelewo and other places in that axis which have never been a subject of dispute.”

Attempts to contact Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson by phone regarding the allegations against the governor and his administration were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and the text messages remained unreturned

He was called twice on Tuesday before sending text message that was not replied. Again, yesterday, Wednesday, he was called in the morning. He rejected the call and did not call back.

However, when contacted yesterday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Adam Akintunde Akindeere, who is also Ede indigene, said: “That is no issue. It is the opposition making issue out of nothing. All these attempts were meant to tarnish the image of the governor and our monarch, Oba Lawal.

“They are all out to destroy the cordial relationship between Ede and Oshogbo and pull down the administration of Governor Adeleke.

“You are invited to a press conference that will hold on Thursday (today). All these issues will be addressed by our elders and leaders.”

Osun State Police Command acting Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Giwa-Alade Emmanuel, said the absence of the Commissioner of Police (CP) has not allowed the command to reach a conclusion on the matter: “There has not been management meeting because the CP is not around.

“When the CP returns, we will review the matter and hold a press briefing to tell the public our findings.”

Land dispute creates tension in Osogbo, Ede

Source:: The Sun

metro

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

Published

5 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed as false a viral “wanted” poster featuring popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, describing it as fake, misleading, and the work of mischief-makers.

In a statement shared via its official social media platforms on Thursday, the anti-graft agency clearly stamped the circulating image “FAKE NEWS”, warning individuals responsible for spreading such content to desist. In a strongly worded caption, the EFCC wrote, “Clout chaser, stop this now!” — signaling frustration over the growing trend of misinformation online.

The doctored poster, which spread rapidly across social media, mimicked the official EFCC “wanted” notice format, including the agency’s logo and layout. It falsely claimed that Sabinus, allegedly aged 43, was wanted for obtaining money under false pretence, and even listed a supposed last known address in Victoria Island, Lagos State.

READ ALSO:

However, further checks confirm that no such notice exists on any official EFCC platform, including its verified website and social media pages, which are the only legitimate channels through which the commission declares individuals wanted. The agency reiterated that all authentic wanted notices are publicly verifiable, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources before sharing sensitive claims.

The EFCC did not disclose whether it has identified those behind the fabricated poster but emphasized that the spread of false information could have serious legal and reputational consequences. The commission has, in recent years, intensified warnings against the circulation of fake news, impersonation of government agencies, and digital misinformation, particularly on social media.

Sabinus, a widely recognised entertainer known for his viral comedy skits and brand endorsements, commands a massive following both within Nigeria and internationally. As of the time of reporting, he has not publicly reacted to the incident.

The development highlights growing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to create convincing but false narratives, especially involving public figures. Authorities continue to advise the public to verify information carefully and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports that could harm individuals or undermine public trust.

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

metro

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

Published

10 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

Tension and outrage have gripped Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State after a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, reportedly died following alleged bullying by a senior student over provisions. The incident, which began before the Easter break, has raised serious concerns about student safety and bullying in Nigerian schools.

The attack reportedly occurred when a Senior Secondary School 3 student demanded provisions from the younger pupil during terminal examinations. Godwin refused, saying he did not have enough to share. Witnesses allege that the senior student responded with physical violence, repeatedly striking Godwin on the neck and throat, causing him to faint multiple times. Other students only intervened after the assault escalated.

Godwin was initially hospitalized on Easter Sunday for a neck injury. He briefly regained consciousness but was later returned to school without his parents being informed of the seriousness of the incident. Upon returning home for the holiday, the boy began complaining of severe neck and throat pain. Despite taking pain relief medication at home, his condition worsened, prompting his father to rush him back to the hospital, where he tragically died. Medical personnel later confirmed that his death resulted from complications associated with blood clots around the neck and throat area.

READ ALSO:

The school principal, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, described the incident as deeply unfortunate and confirmed that the school community is in mourning. He said a school management committee will meet to review the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and communicate their findings to the public.

The family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate the matter and ensure justice. The boy’s father urged the authorities to intervene, saying he would provide more details at an appropriate time.

The tragic death of Ufokobong Edwin Godwin has reignited discussions about bullying, student protection, and campus safety across Nigeria, with parents and education stakeholders calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in boarding schools.

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

metro

Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base

Published

10 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede

Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base

A deadly assault by insurgents linked to Boko Haram and its Islamic State-backed faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, has left several Nigerian troops dead, including a senior commander, following a late-night attack on a military base in Borno State.

The fresh Boko Haram attack in Borno reportedly took place on Wednesday night at a Joint Task Force formation in Benisheikh, located in Kaga Local Government Area along the busy Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.

Among those killed in the attack was Brigadier-General O. O. Braimah, commander of the 29 Brigade, alongside several officers, soldiers, and the brigade’s Imam. His death marks a significant setback in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East, with military sources describing the incident as one of the most intense recent assaults on a military formation in the region.

According to security sources, the attackers launched a coordinated assault using explosives and heavy gunfire, overwhelming troops after hours of intense fighting. The insurgents reportedly deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to breach the base, engaged soldiers in sustained gunfire, and targeted critical military infrastructure. The prolonged attack caused panic within the base and surrounding communities, with casualties feared to be high, although official figures have not yet been released.

READ ALSO:

Several soldiers were seriously injured during the Boko Haram attack, while others are still unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing as the military works to locate missing personnel and secure the area.

The latest incident highlights renewed violence by insurgent groups in Borno. In recent weeks, Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in Nigeria have intensified, targeting military bases, checkpoints, and civilian settlements. Security experts warn that the attack suggests growing operational strength of insurgents, increased vulnerability of remote military bases, and the need for improved intelligence and aerial surveillance.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement on the attack. However, reinforcements and surveillance operations have reportedly been deployed to the Benisheikh axis to prevent further attacks.

Despite years of military operations, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue to pose serious threats in Nigeria’s North-East. The Borno attack on soldiers underscores persistent insecurity and raises fresh concerns about the safety of military formations and personnel in the region.