Osun monarch, the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Jokotola, has raised concerns over alleged encroachment on land acquired and earmarked by the government for aviation purposes.
Oba Jokotola, who appealed for the land to receive appropriate attention, said the disputed property was part of a government acquisition dating back to 1935 and had, more recently, been designated for the development of an Aviation City in Ido-Osun.
The traditional ruler raised the alarm during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The monarch presented the concerns of the Ido-Osun community over the activities of individuals allegedly claiming portions of the acquired land.
He said the palace was particularly concerned about what it described as attempts by private interests to interfere with property historically identified as part of the government’s aviation acquisition.
“The Palace is therefore concerned about alleged attempts by private interests to encroach upon, lay claims to, or otherwise interfere with land that has historically been identified as part of government aviation acquisition,” he said.
The monarch also alleged that some persons involved in the land disagreement had used government agencies and security personnel to intimidate members of the community.
According to him, such alleged actions could create a misleading impression that the traditional institution was attempting to appropriate ancestral land belonging to individuals.
Oba Jokotola called for documentary verification and due process to determine the ownership, boundaries and status of the disputed property.
He said land-related disagreements should be resolved through relevant government authorities and the courts where necessary, rather than through threats or intimidation.
“The Palace has no interest in taking anybody’s legitimate property. Our concern is the protection of the interests of Ido-Osun, the preservation of government property and the maintenance of peace.
“If anyone has a legitimate claim, let the documents speak and let the appropriate authorities determine the matter. Nobody should resort to intimidation or threats against the monarch or our peaceful community,” he added.
The monarch also questioned the basis for claims allegedly being made by some people who, according to him, were not indigenous to Ido-Osun, particularly where such claims were accompanied by alleged threats against the traditional institution and residents.
He stressed that his intervention was not aimed at denying anyone their lawful rights but at seeking clarity on the status of the land and ensuring that established legal and governmental procedures were followed.
Oba Jokotola appealed to Keyamo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and ensure that the status of the aviation acquisition was established and the land protected.
Responding, Keyamo assured Oba Jokotola that concerns surrounding land earmarked for an aviation project in the community would receive appropriate attention.
Keyamo thanked the monarch for bringing the matter to his attention and disclosed that the Federal Government was aware of the proposed aviation project in Ido-Osun.
He said funding for the project had already been provided for in the Federal Government’s budget and assured the monarch that the issues raised would receive appropriate attention.
Ido-Osun airport: Traditional ruler raises alarm over land encroachment