The Obawure of Ifetuntun, Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has formally appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in escalating boundary disputes affecting the Ifetuntun community in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State.
Speaking to journalists in Akure, Ondo State, the monarch called for thorough investigation and immediate action against perpetrators of unrest stemming from a protracted land dispute between his community and neighboring settlements in Ijebu over a 30-mile expanse known as Ifetuntun.
"We are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. We have submitted petitions with evidence to his office, as well as to the Osun State and Federal Governments, to come to our aid. We are law-abiding citizens and cannot take the law into our own hands. We seek justice and government intervention," Osunmakinde stated.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The monarch traced Ifetuntun's origins as a government-reserved area where he initially served as Baale. According to him, the conflict first erupted in 2001 during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, which prompted federal intervention. The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation subsequently conducted a boundary demarcation, bringing temporary peace to the affected communities.
Osunmakinde noted that a chieftaincy review between 2008 and 2009 formally recognized Ifetuntun as a town. In 2010, he was installed as monarch by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and received official recognition from then-Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola through a staff of office and certificate.
Renewed Violence and Destruction
The monarch revealed that prior to 2016, Ifetuntun had enjoyed stability under both military and civilian administrations. However, that year marked a turning point when an attack allegedly led by a forest guard from the Ministry of Natural Resources resulted in widespread destruction.
He claimed that hired thugs burned homes and properties, with losses estimated at N2 billion. While some arrests were made, key suspects reportedly evaded justice. The matter was later resolved out of court through mediation by the Ooni of Ife and the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Current Security Concerns
Osunmakinde expressed concern about renewed security threats, alleging that hoodlums have been harassing residents and extorting commuters along the federal road linking Ife South and Ijebu West, under the guise of representing the state government.
He further claimed that threats had been issued by unnamed government officials to demolish the community within 24 hours, and that Amotekun operatives, allegedly acting under directives from the Commissioner, were targeting law-abiding citizens, thereby escalating community tension.
The monarch's appeal comes amid growing concerns about land-related conflicts in various parts of Nigeria, which have often led to violence and displacement of communities.
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