The Oyetunde family has refuted the claim by High Chief Amidu Ajibade that he warned against the activities of land grabbers when Akogun Saheed Olawoyi led some protesters to his house last Friday.
The family claimed that Saheed Olawoyi, who High Chief Ajibade claimed led protesters to his residence, is the land grabber using his connections to forcefully take over their family land.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Baale Jelili Oyetunde, said the fact is that High Chief Ajibade is an interested party in a dispute between the Oyetunde and Lafiku families over a parcel of land located at Ayegun Olomi Olojuoro Road in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He added that as an interested party, High Chief Ajibade cannot speak on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is known for standing for truth.
The Oyetunde family was reacting to a media report that protesters gathered at the High Chief’s residence on Friday to demonstrate against the encroachment on their family land by Baale Oyetunde.
Baale Oyetunde explained that High Chief Ajibade had called members of both families for a meeting at his residence but only allowed the Lafiku family to present their case, refusing to hear from the Oyetunde family.
He said it was unfortunate that High Chief Ajibade exhibited bias by taking sides with the Lafiku family, noting that there is video evidence of what transpired during the meeting.
The family accused High Chief Ajibade and 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 bid to forcefully take over the family land.
He noted that Baale Alimi Yusuf Lafiku had previously signed as a witness in land sale agreements by the Oyetunde family for this particular parcel of land before suddenly turning around to claim ownership.
The Oyetunde family reminded High Chief Ajibade that the matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, having been filed in 2022, and advised him to refrain from interfering in the process.
While urging High Chief Ajibade to maintain his integrity as an Ibadan Oba and a potential Olubadan of Ibadanland, Baale Oyetunde cautioned him not to allow his personal relationship with the Lafiku family to affect his role as a traditional ruler.
The Oyetunde family also used the opportunity to appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to call Mr. Busari Isa of the anti-land grabbing agency to order, as he is allegedly using his official position to embroil himself in land disputes.
