The Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Jokotola, has raised concerns over alleged encroachment on land acquired by the government and earmarked for aviation development in Ido-Osun, Osun State.
The monarch made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja, where he presented concerns from the Ido-Osun community over activities of individuals allegedly laying claims to portions of the acquired land.
According to Oba Jokotola, the disputed property formed part of a government acquisition dating back to 1935 and was more recently designated for the development of an Aviation City in Ido-Osun.
“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,” the monarch said.
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He alleged that some individuals involved in the dispute had also used government agencies and security personnel to intimidate members of the community.
The monarch expressed concern that such actions could create the impression that the traditional institution was attempting to appropriate ancestral land belonging to individuals.
Oba Jokotola called for documentary verification and due process to establish the ownership, boundaries and status of the disputed property.
He said land disputes should be resolved through relevant government authorities and, where necessary, the courts, 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,” he said.
“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.”
The monarch also questioned claims allegedly being made by some individuals whom he said 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 intended to deny anyone their lawful rights, but to ensure that the status of the land was clarified and established legal and governmental procedures followed.
Oba Jokotola appealed to Keyamo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene in the matter and ensure that the aviation acquisition was properly established and protected.
Responding, Keyamo assured the monarch that the concerns surrounding the land earmarked for the aviation project would receive appropriate attention.
The minister thanked Oba Jokotola for bringing the matter to his attention and disclosed that the Federal Government was aware of the proposed aviation project in Ido-Osun.
Keyamo further said funding for the project had been provided for in the Federal Government’s budget and assured the monarch that the issues raised would be looked into.
