The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently intervene in the lingering land dispute between the Elepe Family of Oyo Town and the Awe Community in Afijio Local Government Area to prevent a possible communal clash.
Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, representing Atiba State Constituency made The call during Thursday’s plenary following a motion he sponsored and 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.”
Hon. Oyekola explained that the dispute, which dates back several decades, involves over 15,000 acres of farmland at Ahoro Iseke, covering more than 218 villages inhabited mainly by Elepe farmers in Oyo West and Afijio Local Government Areas.
He noted that the conflict had been in court since the early 2000s, adding that A judgment delivered in 2004 reportedly awarded certain portions of the disputed land including Ijado, Ijefon, and Dapogudugu to the Awe Community, but the Elepe Family challenged the ruling on appeal.
According to the lawmaker, the appellate court’s decision later created confusion over the exact boundaries, leading to renewed tension between both sides.
Hon. Oyekola raised alarm that despite the ongoing investigation by the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency, reports indicate that some Awe Community leaders are allegedly attempting to take possession of the land by force, ordering Oyo indigenes to vacate before the week’s end.
He cautioned that the situation, if left unchecked, could snowball into a violent confrontation, resulting in loss of lives and property.
“We must not allow this to degenerate into another communal crisis. The State Government must act fast to restore calm and ensure peace,” Oyekola warned.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman, representing Oyo East/West State Constituency.
In its resolution, the Assembly directed the Executive Arm of Government, through the Office of the Executive Assistant on Security Matters, to immediately step in and facilitate dialogue between both parties to maintain peace.
The Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency was also instructed to fast-track its investigation and submit a comprehensive report to the House within three weeks.
Additionally, the Assembly appealed to the Elepe Family and the Awe Community leaders to maintain the status quo and avoid any action that could escalate tensions.
Security agencies were likewise urged to deploy personnel to the area to forestall any outbreak of violence and safeguard lives and property.
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