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.