The traditional ruler of Ifetuntun, a community in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged threats to destroy his community amid rising tensions over a boundary dispute.
Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Sunday, Oba Osunmakinde appealed to the police chief to intervene in the ongoing conflict between Ifetuntun and a neighbouring community in Ijebu West Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the unrest.
The monarch said the dispute revolves around a 30-mile stretch of land claimed by both communities.
He recalled that the conflict dates back to 2001 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when federal authorities stepped in to restore peace.
Following intervention, the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation demarcated the boundary, enabling both communities to coexist for years.
According to Oba Osunmakinde, Ifetuntun has existed well before 2010, with the official recognition of the community’s throne solidifying its peaceful governance.
He, however, alleged that some powerful individuals were now threatening to destroy the community.
He claimed that armed hoodlums had begun operating in the area, while security forces were allegedly harassing residents instead of offering protection.
“Ifetuntun has survived nine different military and civilian administrations without serious conflict.
But in 2016, a forest guard from the Ministry of Natural Resources led an attack on our people with hired thugs.
Homes were burned, and damages were estimated at N2 billion,” the monarch said.
He added that although some arrests were made at the time, the main suspects evaded justice, and the matter was later settled out of court with the help of the late Ooni of Ife and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
“Recently, hoodlums claiming to represent the government have been harassing our residents and extorting travelers along the federal road linking Ife South in Osun to Ijebu West in Ogun,” he added.
The monarch said formal petitions, including evidence, have been submitted to the office of the IGP, as well as to the Osun State and Federal Governments, seeking urgent intervention.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We do not wish to take the law into our own hands.
But we need justice and protection,” he stated.
Recounting the history of his community, Oba Osunmakinde said Ifetuntun was originally established as a government-reserved area where he served as a chief. Between 2008 and 2009, a chieftaincy inquiry officially recognized Ifetuntun as a town, and in 2010, he was installed as the Obawure of Ifetuntun by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, with formal recognition and staff of office presented by then-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.