Crisis Looms In Ibadan Communities As Mogaji Seals 200 Houses

Eko Hot Blog reports that over 200 houses were said to have been sealed off, on Wednesday, at Moniya in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State by a yet-to-be-identified Compound Head (Mogaji), claiming to be his domain and that all the owners of the property must re-buy the lands.

According to The PUNCH, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun had warned all Mogajis and Baales not to resell any land or property already disposed of by their forefathers.

When PUNCH correspondent visited the four communities, namely Alaja Phase One, Alaja Phase Two, Isagunna, and Aponmode, the residents, especially children were crying for forcefully sending them out of their houses and sealed off without official notice.

One of the community leaders, Rasheed Oyelayo confirmed the invasion, adding, “I was discussing with some of my friends outside the compound when I discovered that people were running helter-skelter because of the number of police officers who invaded our communities. I made inquiries and was told that we need to pay for the lands.”

Another resident, Olawoye Akinloye, said, “Over 200 houses were put under lock and key. They came in the afternoon when all the occupants had gone to work. I was told that the leader of the group was one of the newly installed Mogajis of Olubadan of Ibadanland, which the monarch had earlier warned them on this. They invaded our communities with more than 15 police officers.

“I’ve been here for more than 23 years. Why someone will just wake up and tell me to pay for another money? It may be a skit anyway.”

When contacted, the media aide to His Imperial Majesty, Dele Ogunsola said, “I cannot talk on the issue or matter for now because there was no official complaint or letter to that effect.

“Yes, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Balogun had truly admonished the Mogajis and Baales in his domain not to oppress their people by reselling or reclaiming the family land already sold or gifted to people by their forebears. So, for now, I reserve my comment.” He insisted.

He, however, appealed for calm on the part of all those involved, insisting that Olubadan frowns at any form of disturbance or violence in any part of his domain.

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