Tension has escalated between the Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State following the killing of a farmer, Onaolapo Sikiru, from Ilobu, on a disputed parcel of land in Oke-Ekutu.
The land dispute between the two neighboring communities has been ongoing for over a decade, with multiple attempts to resolve the issue proving unsuccessful.
Members of the Ilobu community allege that gunmen from Ifon attacked and fatally shot Sikiru while he was working on his farm. Chief Leke Ogunsola, spokesperson for the Olobu Palace, revealed that the victim identified his assailant as Muideen Alabata from Ifon before succumbing to his injuries.
“Sikiru Onaolapo is the victim from Olobu compound. He went to his farm at Oke-Ekutu this morning and was shot dead. Those close to the scene said the deceased mentioned one Muideen Alabata from Ifon,” Ogunsola said.
He added, “The Ilobu community demands that security agencies arrest the suspect and conduct a thorough investigation into the killing.”
In response to the allegations, Prince Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Ifon-Orolu Descendants Union, denied any involvement by Ifon indigenes in the incident.
“I can confirm authoritatively that no Ifon indigene is involved in any shooting as claimed. The land in question is part of Olufon’s property, which the State Government acquired to reduce tension between the two communities,” Akinyooye said.
He also accused the Ilobu community of exacerbating the situation and urged them to address their internal conflicts rather than placing blame on Ifon.
