Tensions are rising between the Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State following the fatal shooting of a farmer, Onaolapo Sikiru, on a disputed plot of land in Oke-Ekutu. The two neighboring towns have been engaged in a land dispute for more than a decade, with multiple attempts to resolve the conflict failing.
According to the Ilobu community, gunmen from Ifon attacked and killed Sikiru, an Ilobu native, while he was working on his farm. Chief Leke Ogunsola, a spokesperson for the Olobu Palace, claimed that the victim identified one of the assailants as Muideen Alabata, a member of the Ifon community, before succumbing to his injuries.
“Sikiru Onaolapo is 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 called on security agencies to arrest the suspect and conduct a thorough investigation into the killing.
In response, 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 accused the Ilobu community of inflaming tensions and urged them to address internal issues rather than blaming Ifon.
The Osun State Government had previously intervened in the dispute by acquiring the contested land in an effort to ease tensions. Despite these efforts, violence has continued sporadically. Community leaders are now calling for security agencies to restore peace and conduct an impartial investigation to prevent further escalation.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing fragility of relations between the two communities and underscores the need for a lasting solution to the land dispute.
