The Oyo State Police Command has successfully mediated a burgeoning land dispute between the Ito and Sando Aare quarters of Ofiki land, averting potential violence in the region.

In a high-level intervention held on Thursday at the State Police Headquarters in Eleyele, the Command facilitated a formal peace accord following escalating tensions over the “Amosiko” land.

The conflict centres on a tract of land partitioned into three sectors: Ito, Agere, and Sando. While the area enjoyed decades of stability under the late Oloto, his passing in 2025 triggered a vacuum of authority. This resulted in sharp disagreements over mosque management, farming rights, and land allocation.

The situation was further strained when initial mediation efforts were bypassed in favour of litigation, creating a volatile environment that necessitated police intervention.

In a statement released following the session on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said, “The Command’s proactive policing approach leverages early engagement and collaboration with traditional institutions to prevent disputes from escalating into violence.”

Presiding over the meeting on behalf of Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (State CID) issued a stern directive to all parties involved.

“Both communities are hereby directed to maintain the status quo until the court delivers its final judgment. It is emphasised that no leasing, sale, or unauthorised activity—including illegal mining or construction—should occur without proper Local or State Government approval,” the Command stated.

The meeting was attended by prominent traditional rulers and leaders, including the Aare of Ofiki Land, Oba Adeoye Gbenga, and Oba Oloju, Jacob Adefabi. Other notable attendees included Chief Ogundiran Jimoh, Prince Olaoye Isa, and Alhaji Yisau Adeyemo, among several other community princes and elders.

The resolution culminated in the signing of a formal letter of undertaking. By signing this document, representatives from both the Ito and Sando Aare quarters pledged to refrain from encroachment and to prevent any actions that could incite communal clashes.

“This accord represents a significant step toward resolving a dispute that has spanned generations,” the statement read.

The Command extended its appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic guidance. Furthermore, the police lauded the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration for its commitment to facilitating dialogue and maintaining public order.

The Oyo State Police Command remains on high alert and urges residents to utilise the state’s emergency toll-free line (615) or the Command’s control room numbers (08081768614, 07055495413) to report any breaches of the peace.

(The PUNCH)

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