Ayomide Awe
A land dispute is brewing in Ipokia, Ogun State, following the alleged sale of the revered Oro sacred forest by a section of the Elemosanyin family without the consent of other family members.
The forest, considered significant in Oro worship, was reportedly sold by the Omolegbe section of the family, a move that has sparked outrage among other stakeholders.
In preparation for construction activities, trees within the forest—believed to provide cover for the Oro deity—were allegedly felled, further deepening tensions.
A prominent member of the family, Prince Samuel Olawin, has strongly condemned the sale, warning that any buyer would be doing so at his or her own risk.
According to Olawin, who claims to be the head of the Elemosanyin family, the land sale was done without proper authorization and is, therefore, null and void.
Olawin expressed shock over what he described as an attempt by the Omolegbe section to claim sole ownership of all Elemosanyin family lands, including the Igbo Oro.
“I am the head of the Elemosanyin family of Ipokia, and I am saying that nobody has the right to sell the Igbo Oro or any portion of the Elemosanyin lands without the express permission, consent, and approval of all sections of the family.
“The Omolegbe section acted arbitrarily by selling the Oro forest,” he said.
He further alleged that despite an earlier undertaking before the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, where the Omolegbe section agreed to stop tree felling, they proceeded with the sale.
He also cited a 1946 court ruling (Case No 60/1946) that listed the rightful owners of the Elemosanyin lands, stating that no judgment can invalidate this historical ruling.
Olawin also argued that while the Omolegbe section claimed to have secured a customary court judgment against the Oro worshippers, such a ruling does not authorize them to sell the land without the consent of other sections of the family.
He warned that the sale could lead to a breach of public peace, urging authorities to intervene.
However, a representative of the Omolegbe section, Rasheed Adeyemi, has dismissed the allegations, insisting that his family has the legal right to sell the land.
He challenged the opposing side to present evidence of ownership or take the matter to court.
“Let them bring documents to show that they are also connected to the land. If they have any valid claim, they should charge me to court,” Adeyemi said.
Speaking on the court ruling referenced by Olawin, Adeyemi explained that the Omolegbe section had earlier taken the Oro traditionalists to court when they attempted to claim ownership of the land.
“We gave the Oro people the land to use, and when we needed it back and they refused, we took them to court and secured a judgment in our favor,” he stated.
The ongoing feud has raised concerns about potential violence in the community, with observers calling on the Ogun State government and relevant authorities to mediate.
The Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law, which prohibits the unlawful sale of land, could play a significant role in resolving the matter if legal action is taken.
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