The Oyetunde family has vehemently denied claims by High Chief Amidu Ajibade, a prominent Ibadan chief, that he warned against land grabbers following a protest at his residence last Friday. The family, embroiled in a long-standing land dispute, has instead accused High Chief Ajibade of bias and of siding with those attempting to forcefully seize their family land.
In a statement released on behalf of the Oyetunde family, Baale Jelili Oyetunde refuted High Chief Ajibade’s account, asserting that Saheed Olawoyi, whom the High Chief claimed led protesters, is in fact the alleged land grabber utilizing his connections to take over the family’s property.
Baale Oyetunde clarified that the land dispute centers around a parcel of land located at Ayegun Olomi Olojuoro Road in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, and that High Chief Ajibade is an interested party in the dispute between the Oyetunde and Lafiku families. He stated that the High Chief cannot speak for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, known for his commitment to truth.
The Oyetunde family’s response follows a media report alleging protesters demonstrated at High Chief Ajibade’s residence last Friday against encroachment on their land. Baale Oyetunde recounted a meeting at the High Chief’s residence, where he alleged that only the Lafiku family was given a platform to present their case, while the Oyetunde family was denied the same opportunity. He claimed video evidence exists to support his claims.
The family further accused High Chief Ajibade, alongside Mr. Busari Isa of the Oyo State Anti-land Grabbing Agency, of supporting Baale Alimi Yusuf Lafiku, Saheed Olawoyi Omo Egun, Morufu Okeseyin, and Baale Olonde Ige in their efforts to forcefully take over the land. Baale Oyetunde highlighted that Baale Alimi Yusuf Lafiku had previously acted as a witness in land sale agreements by the Oyetunde family for the same parcel of land, before suddenly claiming ownership.
Emphasizing the legal ramifications, the Oyetunde family reminded High Chief Ajibade that the matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, with the case filed in 2022. They urged him to refrain from interfering in the ongoing legal process.
The family also appealed to High Chief Ajibade to uphold his integrity as an Ibadan chief and a potential Olubadan of Ibadanland, urging him not to allow his personal relationship with the Lafiku family to influence his role as a traditional ruler.
Furthermore, the Oyetunde family appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to call Mr. Busari Isa of the anti-land grabbing agency to order, accusing him of leveraging his official position to involve himself in land disputes.
