Osun Monarch Petitions IGP Over Threat to Raze Community.
The traditional ruler of Ifetuntun, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has sent a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over threats by armed individuals allegedly plotting to burn down his community. The monarch is calling for urgent intervention to prevent a potential crisis stemming from a longstanding land dispute.
Addressing the press in Akure, Ondo State, Oba Osunmakinde expressed grave concern over credible reports that heavily armed men, allegedly acting under the protection of influential figures, have mobilized with the intent to attack Ifetuntun. According to the monarch, these developments have created fear and tension among residents who now live under the constant threat of violence.
“Our people are peaceful and law-abiding,” the monarch said. “We have done everything possible to avoid confrontation, but these threats cannot be ignored any longer. We call on the Inspector General of Police and all security agencies to act immediately to avert bloodshed.”
A History of Dispute and Unrest
The dispute over boundary lines between Ifetuntun and neighboring communities has spanned several decades. In 2001, the Federal Surveyor General demarcated the boundary in an effort to restore peace, and for several years, both communities coexisted without major incident.
Oba Osunmakinde ascended the throne in 2010, with his appointment ratified by the late Ooni of Ife and the then-Governor of Osun State. Under his leadership, Ifetuntun had enjoyed relative peace until tensions flared again.
In 2016, violence erupted when a group allegedly led by a forest guard stormed the community, destroying property estimated to be worth over ₦2 billion. Though arrests were initially made, the matter was later settled through government mediation.
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Rising Tensions and Allegations of Official Complicity
The monarch alleged that recent threats have been emboldened by the tacit support of certain government officials. He claimed that armed men are now extorting road users and intimidating villagers under the guise of enforcing state directives. According to him, these individuals have issued a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to raze the community.
Oba Osunmakinde further alleged that some security operatives, including members of the Amotekun Corps, have harassed and brutalized innocent residents while turning a blind eye to the activities of the armed groups.
The monarch is calling for:
• Immediate investigation and prosecution of those behind the threats.
• Deployment of security personnel to maintain peace and protect lives.
• Direct intervention from federal authorities to prevent further escalation.
Implications for Regional Stability
The Ifetuntun crisis mirrors several similar land disputes that have plagued Osun State in recent years, often resulting in violence, loss of life, and the displacement of entire communities. The state government has in the past warned that any traditional ruler who fails to maintain peace in their domain risks dethronement.
The monarch’s petition underscores the urgent need for proactive intervention from security agencies and government officials at both state and federal levels. As tensions simmer, many fear that failure to address the crisis could ignite wider regional unrest.
The situation remains tense as residents of Ifetuntun anxiously await decisive action from law enforcement to safeguard their lives, properties, and community from destruction.