A territorial clash has erupted among traditional rulers in Osun State, with two prominent monarchs, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo and the Olusongbe of Songbe, clashing over land ownership in Ejigbo Local Government.
Governor Ademola Adeleke is now under pressure to intervene and mediate this brewing crisis.
The tension began when Oba Kamil Ojelabi, the Olusongbe of Songbe, reportedly claimed ownership of over 40 villages within Ejigbo Local Government, a move that other traditional rulers described as false and misleading.
In response, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, expressed his dismay over what he called an “attempt to seize Ejigbo lands through misinformation.”
Oba Oyeyode spoke to newsmen from his palace on Thursday, calling on Governor Adeleke to act swiftly and bring clarity to the dispute.
According to Oba Oyeyode, Oba Ojelabi’s claims are an attempt to alter the historical boundaries of Ejigbo.
The Ogiyan said, “I am using this opportunity to tell the governor and government of Osun to involve national agencies and allow the monarch to present his case in public.”
The traditional ruler stressed that clarity on this matter would prevent further misunderstandings that could lead to unrest.
“It is very bad to give false information in an attempt to claim what you are not,” he added.
The Ogiyan argued that the public deserves transparency on such a sensitive issue, calling for the government to publish the findings of any investigation into these claims.
Other local monarchs joined the Ogiyan in condemning the Olusongbe’s claims.
The Olosinmo of Osinmo, Oba Ogunniyi Olayiwola, speaking on behalf of the traditional council, called the Olusongbe’s assertions “ridiculous.”
The Olosinmo said, “It is wrong for Olusongbe to proclaim himself as the prescribed authority over Ejigbo Local Government.”
According to Oba Ogunniyi, the Olusongbe’s list of supposed villages under his rule is inaccurate and misleading.
“We are now seizing this opportunity to inform the general public to disregard his claims,” he added, warning that confusion over boundaries would only escalate tensions in the region.
In a show of unity, over 20 monarchs attended the gathering at the Ogiyan’s palace, reaffirming their support for the Ogiyan’s authority over the Ejigbo area.
Oba Ogunniyi declared that all traditional leaders within Ejigbo Local Government recognize the authority of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode.
According to the monarchs, Ejigbo has always been under the Ogiyan’s control and remains central to the local government’s cultural and political identity.
Oba Ogunniyi said, “All the monarchs in Ejigbo Local Government area are under the control of Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode.”
However, Oba Kamil Ojelabi, the Olusongbe of Songbe, has refused to back down.
Defending his position, Oba Ojelabi insisted that his claims are backed by historical documents.
“I have the necessary documents to back up my claim,” he stated, adding that his authority over the lands he listed is indisputable.
According to the Olusongbe, the areas in question are part of Songbe territory and have never been part of Ejigbo.
“I counted my villages, and I have the necessary documents to back it up,” he said confidently.
Oba Ojelabi also accused the Ogiyan of trying to “rewrite history” by installing leaders, or Baales, in Songbe villages without his permission.
He said, “All the subjects in my villages came to beg for farmland, but he started appointing them as Baales so that they can side with him over a land that is mine.”
