The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Executive Arm of Government to urgently wade into a long-standing land dispute between the Elepe Family of Oyo Town and leaders of the Awe Community in Afijio Local Government Area, to prevent a potential communal clash and ensure peace and order.
The call followed a motion titled “Need for the Executive Arm of Government to Urgently Intervene in a Land Dispute Between the Elepe Family in Oyo Town and the Alawe Community Leaders, Awe to Prevent Communal Clash and Maintain Peace and Order” raised by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, representing Atiba State Constituency, during plenary on Thursday.
Hon. Oyekola noted that the dispute, which dates back several decades, involves over 15,000 acres of land at Ahoro Iseke, spanning about 218 villages predominantly inhabited by Elepe farmers across Oyo West and Afijio Local Government Areas.
He recalled that the dispute has been a subject of litigation between both communities since the early 2000s. A judgment delivered in 2004 awarded portions of the disputed land — including Ijado, Ijefon, and Dapogudugu — to the Awe Community, a decision which the Elepe Family contested through an appeal.
According to the lawmaker, the appellate judgment later created ambiguity over the exact boundaries to be allocated, thereby intensifying tension between the two sides.
He expressed concern that despite the ongoing investigation by the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency, reports indicate that leaders of the Awe Community are allegedly making moves to take possession of the land by force, insisting that Oyo indigenes vacate the area before the end of the week.
Hon. Oyekola warned that failure to address the situation swiftly could result in violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property, urging the State Government to take proactive steps to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The motion was seconded by the lawmaker representing Oyo East/West State Constituency, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman.
However, the House, in its resolutions, urged the Executive Arm of Government through the Office of the Executive Assistant on Security Matters to immediately intervene and ensure peace is restored in the affected communities.
It also directed the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency to expedite its investigation into the matter and submit its report to the House within three weeks.
Additionally, the Assembly appealed to both the Elepe and Awe Community leaders to maintain the status quo and refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict, while relevant law enforcement agencies were urged to mobilize personnel to the area to prevent unrest.
