Prominent indigenes and stakeholders in Oyo town have urged the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade I, to prioritise resolving longstanding land disputes between Oyo and Afijio Local Government Areas, which they say have recently escalated into violent confrontations.
The appeal comes in the wake of Oba Owoade’s coronation as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, officially presented by Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday at a ceremony held at Olivet Baptist School, Oyo.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Mr. Mukaila Afonja, described the land feud—particularly in towns like Ilora and Awe—as a growing threat to peace, intensified by the absence of a reigning monarch since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
“There are places in Oyo and Afijio where land disputes have turned violent, with people wielding weapons. We believe the new Alaafin can bring the warring parties together to restore peace,” Afonja said.
Echoing similar concerns, former lawmaker Muideen Olagunju urged the monarch to adopt a firm yet diplomatic approach and collaborate with willing Afijio traditional rulers to resolve the disputes.
“He should declare a state of emergency on land issues along the Awe and Ilora corridors and work closely with other monarchs to achieve lasting peace,” Olagunju advised.
Community elder Adebayo Olawoyin emphasised the need for religious tolerance and improved youth engagement.
“The new Alaafin should ensure religious harmony and work towards creating jobs for youths to reduce criminal activity and insecurity in the town,” he stated.
Lawmakers and former representatives also charged the Alaafin with uniting communities, advocating for development, and preserving cultural heritage.
Olorunpoto Rahaman, representing Oyo East/Oyo West in the state assembly, stressed the need for the monarch to focus on youth empowerment, completion of abandoned projects, and enhanced regional cooperation.
“The Alaafin’s role as a cultural custodian must go hand-in-hand with advocacy for economic growth, infrastructure, and education,” he noted.
Former lawmaker Isiaka Tunde described the Alaafin as a key figure in advancing Yoruba interests nationwide.
He urged the monarch to promote cultural revival, champion local entrepreneurship, and serve as a unifying force.
“The Alaafin must actively advocate for Yoruba rights and ensure the community’s voice is heard in national discussions,” Tunde added.
As Alaafin Owoade begins his reign, the expectations from the people of Oyo remain high, with hopes pinned on his leadership to foster peace, prosperity, and cultural renaissance in the ancient kingdom.
