‘Our land cannot be taken’ – Osun community tells Tinubu to caution Army Chief, Lagbaja

Members of the Ifon-Orolu community in the Orolu local government area of Osun state have charged President Bola Tinubu to caution the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, from inciting communal crisis in the state.

The members who protested bore placards with inscriptions such as, “Lagbaja don’t incite communal crisis in Orolu/Irepodun”, “Tinubu call CAS to order”, “We are in a Democracy”, walked from the Regent’s palace to Olufon’s palace.

Addressing journalists in front of the palace, the Regent, who doubles as the Eesa of Ifon, Chief Babatunde Oyetunji, said the community is not opposed to developmental projects, but it will not allow its land to be taken forcefully for the sake of its neighbouring community.

He said:

“Our attention has been drawn to the visitation of some Federal Government officials led by unidentified top officers of the Nigerian Army that were received at the Palace of His Royal Highness Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, The Olobu of Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government area, Ilobu, Osun State.

“Our people in Orolu Local Government area also sighted the convoy of the same top military officials moving around Opapa Village in Gbere Odofin area of Orolu Local Government and some part of Eleesi’s Family land in Orolu Local Government, Ifon-Osun.

“Regrettably, it was noted that the convoy did not bother to pay a courtesy visit to either the Chairman of Orolu Local Government or The Olufon Regent.

“Such failure is worth noting because it is unusual and inappropriate to tour the ancestral land of the Ifon-Orolu Kingdom without notification or paying a courtesy homage call to the relevant authorities of the kingdom.

“We have also since discovered that the surreptitious purpose of the visit was to make an assessment of the particular location where a Military Structure (either hospital or institution) can be built.

“We are fully aware that General Taoreed Lagbaja, the new Chief of Army Staff, is an indigene of Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government of Osun state.

“While the people of Orolu Local Government are not opposed to any development in Irepodun and Orolu Local Government areas, any development project must be done in consultation with relevant stakeholders, especially those whose land would be used to host the projects.

“We are using this medium to caution against any attempt by the military to cause a communal clash in Irepodun and Orolu Kingdom.

“We also demand immediate explanation and clarifications from the office of the Chief of Army Staff or any other relevant federal authority in respect of the visit to Orolu land by the military delegate without informing or consulting with the stakeholders”.