The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade has been asked to prioritise resolving lingering land disputes between Oyo and Afijio Local Government Areas—conflicts that have recently escalated into violent clashes.
The call by some prominent indigenes and community leaders in Oyo comes on the heels of Oba Owoade’s coronation as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo as officiated by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Mr. Mukaila Afonja, told The PUNCH that the absence of a reigning monarch since the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had deepened the unrest, particularly in border communities like Ilora and Awe, where skirmishes over land ownership have turned bloody.
“In some areas, people have taken up arms over land disputes. We trust the new Alaafin will step in to mediate and bring lasting peace,” Afonja said, expressing optimism that Oba Owoade’s leadership will mark the beginning of dialogue and reconciliation among affected communities.
Stakeholders believe that beyond royal duties, the Alaafin’s traditional authority holds the moral weight needed to resolve the feud and foster unity across the two local government areas.
