Iyin-Ekiti Land Crisis: Return disputed lands to owners – Concerned citizens tell Oluyin
Iyin-Ekiti Citizens Urge Monarch to Address Land Dispute
Residents of Iyin-Ekiti in Ekiti State have called on the Oluyin, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, to take immediate action regarding what they describe as the unlawful acquisition of land within the community. In a statement released by a concerned citizens’ group, they have requested the monarch to return the disputed land to its rightful owners and work swiftly to restore peace.
The statement, titled “Iyin-Ekiti Land Crisis: Kabiyesi Must Retrace His Steps, Return the Lands and Restore Peace,” emphasizes that the ongoing controversy should not devolve into conflicting narratives or public relations campaigns. Instead, the group asserts that the central issue revolves around the alleged appropriation of ancestral properties linked to projects for palace expansion, offices, a pavilion, and lock-up shops.
While the citizens expressed their support for development initiatives that could benefit Iyin-Ekiti, they stressed that such efforts must respect the rights of legitimate property owners. “No reasonable person should oppose genuine development in Iyin-Ekiti,” the statement reads. It acknowledges the potential benefits of a modern palace and improved infrastructure, but insists that all development projects should follow due process and involve adequate consultation.
The group further alleged that some families affected by the land acquisition were not appropriately consulted before demolition and fencing activities commenced, particularly around Asinsin Street. They reported attempts to demolish existing structures and erect fences on contested land without proper negotiation.
Moreover, the group claims that over N1 billion has been allocated for the proposed development, with some local chiefs assigned tasks related to construction materials. They raised concerns about why affected property owners had not been engaged in discussions, especially given the significant investment involved in the initiative.
In a positive note, the citizens commended the Ekiti State Bureau of Lands for intervening in the dispute. They indicated that the Bureau had directed the monarch to return unlawfully acquired lands to their original owners, which they view as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens.
The group expressed satisfaction that the Bureau’s intervention clarifies the limits of traditional authority in matters that involve private property rights. They appealed to the state government to handle the dispute as a legal matter rather than allowing it to turn into a personal conflict between the monarch and the affected families.
In conclusion, the citizens urged the government to ensure a fair resolution based on legal rights regarding the contested properties.
