In the serene landscape of Ijesaland, a recent incident at the Ijamo Police Station has brought to the fore a complex narrative involving land disputes, conflicting interests, and the unyielding quest for progress.
Tuesday,15th witnessed a scene that could be described as a convergence of historical grievances and inordinate ambitions of a few over the collective interest of the majority.
It all began during the past weekend, when the echoes of bricklaying and construction resonated across the expanse of the OSSADEP land in Imo area of Ilesa.
OSSADEP is the acronym for Osun State Agricultural Development Programme, an agency of government with land acquired for strategic agricultural development in most areas of the State.
This seemingly innocuous act wherein workmen clustered the site triggered a series of events that would soon send shockwaves throughout the local community and beyond. What transpired was not merely a clash over land ownership but a dramatic representation of the intricate web of factors shaping Ijesaland’s present and future.
At the heart of the matter lies the role of commerce and development within Ijesaland. While the land in question has remained the property of the State government, it was no secret that its potential had garnered the attention of various stakeholders including land speculators and hirelings.
A pivotal figure, the Ife/Ijesa OSSADEP Project supervisor, Mr Asaolu, a patriotic Ijesa couldn’t understand the strange transformation of the once-vacant land into a bustling construction site in recent times. Since such acquisition exists in Ife, Ikirun, Iwo etc without any hindrance, why should Ijesa be anachronistic? However, what unfolded next took even the most informed observers by surprise.
A swift arrest and a stern stop order halted the progress of the construction project, casting a spotlight on the intricate web of interests connected to the land. The scene that followed was reminiscent of a Shakespearean drama, with figures named Obaodo, Alalu, and Aklum storming the police station, each laying claim to the authority of Owa Obokun’s ownership of the land.
In a flurry of heated exchanges, the station transformed into an arena of passionate declarations and counterclaims.
Amidst the cacophony, the names of Asiwaju, Wale, and Afolabi echoed repeatedly. They were accused of instigating the area supervisor’s actions and branded them as usurpers.
Whereas, the supervisor, a top technocrat development loving personae denied knowing them but rather acting in the interest of government and the community .
Obaodo, a central figure in the narrative, asserted that the spirit of those three individuals had been exorcised from the Palace.
Alalu, on the other hand presented curiously all the names of the alleged beneficiaries of the OSSADEP land allocation are as famous as political cleavages can confer.
The question that reverberated through the room was a powerful one: Who holds the true authority over the land? Government or private individuals? The answer appeared to be a complex blend of both, where government figures and influential private individuals shared interests in the land. One Emeka emerged as a key player, having purportedly acquired over 30 acres of the land in question.
As the intense exchanges continued, Obaodo highlighted the irony of the situation. He emphasized the lack of tangible benefits reaped from the agricultural endeavors of OSSADEP over the years. With frustration in his voice, he argued that those who had failed to cultivate the land (OSSADEP )have no right to claim ownership now.
The row is certainly between vision and execution, personal aggrandizement and community development was clearly at the core of this conflict.
The question to ask is why is the crop of individuals championing developments as being witnessed across Ijesaland today not associated with the shenanigans at play!!!
Kudos to Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi and the focussed team members.
However, the narrative extends beyond the immediate land dispute. The Agric. Officer, Mr Asaolu speaking on behalf of the agency mulled the apparent inconsistency in land management across different regions within Ijesaland. He cited instances where other areas such as Ife, Iwo, and Ikirun had government land reserved and preserved for future development. The pivotal question arose: Why is Ilesa OSSADEP land a subject of debate? This question points to a deeper systemic issue that transcended the specific land dispute but damned value bothering on unpatriotic act.
Surprisingly, the University of Ilesa emerged as a significant player in the story. Reports indicated that the university approached OSSADEP for a collaborative effort that could potentially transform the land into an educational hub for Agricultural department. Furthermore, the National Universities Commission (NUC) visited the site for Unilesa potential course accreditation. This added a layer of complexity to the situation, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the land’s potential uses and the danger posed by the selfish and egoistic tendencies.
As the exchanges continued, it became evident that the dispute was not merely a legal tango over ownership but a reflection of the broader socioeconomic and political dynamics within Ijesaland. It served as a microcosm of the struggles between traditional authority, government institutions, private interests, and community aspirations.
A surprising turn occurred when Chief Obaodo announced that Owa Obokun Adimula intended to allocate a fresh 25-acre land to OAUTH on Thursday, the 17th instant.
This move added another layer of intrigue to the situation, highlighting the influence of traditional leadership in land allocation decisions.
OAUTH, it would be recalled was denied the use of a 20-acre of land previously ceded by erstwhile Obaala Ogedengbe under similarly curious circumstances.
Amidst this tumultuous scene, one sentiment emerged with clarity – the need for unity in Ijesaland. The concluding plea for a united Ijesaland underscored the urgency of fostering collaboration and understanding among community members, the subjugation of personal whims to collective desires.
This unity, it was suggested, would be the linchpin for successful endeavors and prosperous outcomes in the projects that lay ahead.
The various players in the whole saga should take time to reflect on the Ijesa historical trajectory and her peculiarity. Iyan Ogun odun….
In the end, the incident at the Ijamo Police Station unveiled a tale that transcends land ownership and delves into the intricacies of power, progress and unity. The clashes of interests, of ideals, and the clash of visions converged into a narrative that reflects the challenges and opportunities of Ijesaland’s journey going forward. It showcased the dichotomy between potential and action, tradition and modernity, and individual aspirations and collective welfare.
What unfolded at the Ijamo Police Station serves as a poignant reminder that the trajectory of a community’s progress is not only shaped by its physical infrastructure but also by the mindset of its inhabitants and the strength of their unity. The clash of interests, however convoluted, underscores the importance of open dialogue, transparent decision-making, and a shared vision for the greater good.
This narrative emphasizes the significance of community engagement and collaboration, as well as the critical role that leadership – both traditional and modern – play in steering the course of development. The involvement of public figures who have what are being mentioned in hijacked the land underscores the influence of individuals in shaping the community’s trajectory.
Furthermore, the emerging role of education and collaboration with the University of Ilesa and NUC on the land in disputation demonstrates the potential for leveraging tertiary institutions to foster development and progress. As Ijesaland seeks to preserve its heritage while embracing modernization, finding a balance between tradition and innovation is key.
In the midst of this complex narrative, the call for a united Ijesaland resonates deeply. The plea for unity serves as a reminder that shared objectives can only be achieved when differences are set aside, and collective efforts take precedence over individual gains. The unity sought is not a mere abstract concept but a practical necessity that empowers the community to address challenges collectively and realize their aspirations more effectively.
As the sun sets on the events at the Ijamo Police Station, the saga remains a testament to the intricate interplay between history and progress, tradition and change. It serves as a catalyst for conversations that need to take place, decisions that need to be made, and collaborations that need to be fostered. The journey ahead for Ijesaland is a blend of forging a cohesive identity while embracing the diversity of ideas that shape it.
Ultimately, the narrative encapsulates the essence of community – a tapestry woven with threads of shared experiences, divergent perspectives, and collective ambitions. The drama that unfolded within the walls of the Ijamo Police Station is not merely an isolated incident; it mirrors the journey of countless communities navigating the delicate balance between their past and future. As Ijesaland moves forward, the lessons from this tale can guide its course, serving as a reminder that progress is not a destination but an endless journey fueled by the unity of its people.
We await the intervention of the state Governor, the traditional institution and community leaders even as the verdict of history reigns supreme.
Long live Ijesaland!
To be Continued!
To God ALMIGHTY be the glory for vindication of IDC regarding the episode at ijamo police station. “Ojú kò ní ti ẹni tó bá á pa’ná, ẹni tó bá á pa in lojú máa tì”. Egígún ti ò báá ti kọkọ jó, ìran ló máa wò gbẹyìn. IDC will surely laugh last as the Lord lives. It’s not a serious issue but it’s only to test the unity, patriotism of the present crop of ijesas and to identify and separate the wheat from the chaff. AṢÍWÁJÚ kò gbọdọ wo ẹyìn. Nothing good comes easy. Remember the Christian hymn- oft in danger oft in woe………will yee flee in dangers hour? Know yee not your captain’s power.