The traditional ruler of Ifetuntun community in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, the Obawure of Ifetuntun, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged threats to destroy his community and ongoing violent clashes tied to a boundary dispute with a neighbouring community in Ijebu West Local Government Area, Ogun State.

 

Speaking in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Sunday, Oba Osunmakinde called for urgent intervention by the Nigeria Police to restore peace and safeguard lives and property within the embattled 30-mile land area known as Ifetuntun.

 

According to the monarch, hostilities between the two border communities date back to 2001, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, prompting federal intervention and boundary demarcation by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation. The resolution, he said, ushered in years of relative peace, until recent escalations.

 

“Ifetuntun has existed peacefully through nine administrations, both military and civilian, without significant unrest. However, since 2016, we’ve experienced coordinated attacks—starting with an invasion led by a forest guard from the Ministry of Natural Resources, during which over ₦2 billion worth of properties were destroyed,” he said.

 

 

 

Oba Osunmakinde further alleged that armed thugs, allegedly sponsored by powerful interests, have resumed violent harassment and extortion of residents and commuters along the federal road connecting Ife South and Ijebu West, claiming to act under government authority.

 

“We are law-abiding citizens. We have submitted petitions and evidence to the IGP’s office, the Osun State Government, and the Federal Government. We’re pleading for immediate action to stop the criminal elements destabilising our community,” he said.

 

 

 

The monarch also raised concerns that security operatives have victimised locals, rather than protecting them from the attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

 

Tracing the history of the community, Oba Osunmakinde stated that Ifetuntun has long existed as a government-reserved area, where he served first as a chief before his installation as monarch in 2010 by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. He added that his staff of office and certificate of recognition were presented by former Osun Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, following a state chieftaincy inquiry affirming Ifetuntun’s status.

 

“We cannot take the law into our own hands. We seek justice, peace, and protection under the constitution,” the monarch appealed.

 

 

 

As tension remains high in the disputed area, stakeholders are urging both Osun and Ogun State Governments, as well as federal authorities, to prevent a full-scale communal crisis and bring perpetrators to book.