Land dispute creates tension in Osogbo, Ede

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.

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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.