The Obawure of Ifetuntun, Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in ongoing boundary-related unrest affecting the Ifetuntun community in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State.
Addressing journalists in Akure, Ondo State, Osunmakinde called for a thorough investigation and swift action to apprehend those responsible for the disturbances stemming from a protracted land dispute between his community and neighbouring settlements in Ijebu, centring around a 30-mile expanse known as Ifetuntun.
“We are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. We have submitted petitions with evidence to his office, as well as to the Osun State and Federal Governments, to come to our aid. We are law-abiding citizens and cannot take the law into our own hands. We seek justice and government intervention.”
The monarch traced the origins of Ifetuntun as a long-established government-reserved area where he initially served in the traditional capacity of Baale.
He noted that conflict first arose in 2001 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, prompting federal intervention.
The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation subsequently carried out a boundary demarcation, allowing for a period of relative peace between the affected communities.
Osunmakinde further referenced a chieftaincy review conducted between 2008 and 2009, which formally recognized Ifetuntun as a town.
In 2010, he was installed as monarch by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and received official recognition from then-Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola through the presentation of a staff of office and certificate.
He stated that prior to 2016, Ifetuntun had enjoyed stability under both military and civilian administrations.
However, that year marked a turning point, when, according to him, an attack allegedly led by a forest guard from the Ministry of Natural Resources resulted in widespread destruction.
He claimed that thugs were hired to burn homes and properties, with losses estimated at N2 billion. While some arrests were made, key suspects reportedly evaded justice.
The matter was later resolved out of court through mediation by the Ooni of Ife and the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Osunmakinde also raised concerns about renewed security threats. He alleged that hoodlums had been harassing residents and extorting commuters along the federal road linking Ife South and Ijebu West, under the guise of representing the state government.
He also claimed that threats had been issued by unnamed government officials to demolish the community within 24 hours, and that operatives of Amotekun, acting under directives from the Commissioner, were targeting law-abiding citizens, thereby escalating community tension.
Osun monarch seeks police intervention over escalating boundary disputes
