—Urges Police to Maintain Neutrality in Disputes
The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has issued a stern warning against the rising spate of land grabbing within Ilesa and its environs, calling on the Nigeria Police to remain neutral and professional in ongoing land-related disputes pending judicial outcomes.
The monarch made the call during a courtesy visit to his palace by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, where he decried the increasing encroachment on government lands and the threats such disputes pose to communal peace.
Oba Haastrup disclosed that the ancient city recently came close to civil unrest due to a contentious dispute between the Leventis Foundation and a private individual. He noted that timely royal intervention was critical in averting a breakdown of law and order.
“Ilesa, known for its tranquillity, would have descended into chaos but for our swift action,” the monarch stated.
He attributed the spike in land-related infractions to the tail end of his predecessor’s reign, alleging that opportunists took advantage of the former ruler’s declining health to illegally occupy public lands.
Raising concerns over growing impunity, Oba Haastrup said, “Some unscrupulous elements are making baseless claims to government lands, emboldened by their perceived connections with high-ranking police officers. Let me be unequivocal in my condemnation of such criminal conduct motivated by personal gain at the detriment of public interest.”
He urged law enforcement authorities to discharge their duties with equity and transparency, warning against any form of complicity or bias in land dispute matters.
The traditional ruler further called for the establishment of additional police divisions across Ijesaland, especially in Oriade Local Government Area, citing rapid population growth and insufficient security coverage.
“I must point out that the level of police presence in our domain remains grossly inadequate,” he said.
In response, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to justice and peace in Ijesaland, stressing that the force was not partisan in the Leventis Foundation dispute.
“I never issued any directive to any party to occupy or develop the land in question. I maintain no contact whatsoever with the disputing parties,” Gotan clarified.
He commended the monarch for his proactive role in de-escalating tensions and acknowledged the vital role of traditional institutions in grassroots conflict resolution.
