A group, Pan-Yoruba Kwara Youths has waded into the land dispute between Ilemona in Oyun local government area and Offa in Offa local government area of Kwara State.
LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that a violence broke out in Ilemona on January 15, 2025 over a disputed land between a family in Ilemona and some people from Offa.
It was gathered that some indigenes of Ilemona, the home town of President Bola Tinubu’s aide de camp (ADC), Col. Nurudeen, had stopped some people from Offa from carrying out an activity on a piece of land in Ilemona on the fateful day.
The issue later generated some controversies with some indigenes of Offa pointing accusing fingers at those close to the seat of power.
A community leader and politician in Offa, Comrade Salahudeen Lukman, had in an open letter to Col. Nurudeen, titled “Don’t Alter the Peaceful Coexistence Between Offa and Ilemona” urged him to work for peace between Offa and Ilemona communities.
“Your Royal Highness, permit me to use this medium to publicly congratulate you on your enthronement as the Oba Elemona of Ilemona once again.
“It is important to remind you of the necessity to tread with caution, particularly with a long-standing friend, ally, and supporter like the Offa community.
“Now to the crux of my note: Offa has been a reliable supporter and ally to Ilemona. Offa and Ilemona have never had a history of land disputes nor any form of crisis. Why should your reign bring about avoidable conflicts even when you are yet to practically resume?
“Sir, kindly avoid this crisis by all means possible. An individual alone cannot develop a community. Even with your commendable efforts to urbanise Ilemona, including acquiring properties owned by non-indigenes, you still need partners – foreign and local – to invest in Ilemona and make your dream of transforming it into a modern city a reality. It is better to see Offa as a partner in progress to fast-track your vision; otherwise, it may remain a dream that never comes true,” he said.
Responding to Lukuman’s letter, a community leader in Ilemona, Comrade Abdulrauf Abdullahi opeyemi, described the allegations levelled against Col. Nurudeen by the former as unfounded and baseless.
Opeyemi said, “Let me remind you that Ilemona community has been a beacon of tradition, culture, peace and natural beauty. Our ancestors have toiled on this land, cultivating its richness and passing down their knowledge and customs to us. The land is not just a physical space, but a sacred trust that holds the memories, stories, and legends of our people. It is our duty to safeguard this heritage for future generations, and we must not let it fall into the hands of you people (Offa).
“ Our Elemona has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in our community. Through his known humanitarian services to his people and beyond, he has worked tirelessly to promote understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among all members of our community and society,” he said.
But, the Pan-Yoruba Kwara Youth, a community-based youth organisation representing the Yoruba speaking communities in Kwara, across Igbomina, Ibolo and other parts of the state, called for restraints, unity, and peaceful dialogue in addressing the dispute “between some families from Offa LGA and individuals from Ilemona in Oyun LG.”
President of the group, Tijani Bashiru Adewale, condemned the desperate attempts by some people to cause disunity in the two communities and urged the parties involved to prioritise peace, “as only a stable and harmonious environment can foster progress and development in the region.”
