Oyo Monarch, Young Entrepreneur Bicker Over Ownership Of Land At Orile-Igbon, Oyo State

The ownership of acre of land in Orile-Igbon, Oyo state has sparked off controversies between the Vice-Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao and Chief Executive Officer of First Class Chemical Industries,Taiwo David Oyediran.

Oydeiran alleged the monarch of illegal take over of his land as well as destruction of crops on the one acre farmland in Orile Igbon.

But Kabiyesi has faulted his claim with argument that he acquired the said land with all the necessary documents to back it up.

He argued that 26-acre of land was legally acquired with necessary approval from the state government.

The land in question, according to him was acquired for a development project in Orile Igbon.

However, Oydeiran insisted that one acre of the land was purchased from the Late Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Samuel Osunbade in 2006 for N3 million.

He said the land has been utilized for his paint manufacturing business and agricultural endeavors, including planting of cassava, maize, and beans.

Oyediran asserted that his entrepreneurial efforts have been under siege since Oba Alao ascended the throne.

According to him, the situation escalated dramatically on November 28, 2024, when he was summoned to the king’s palace to present his land documents.

During this meeting, he claimed Oba Alao insisted that he required a ratification letter to validate his ownership.

“He told me that a previous king could sell land, but another could deny its existence,” Oyediran recounted.

The alleged that the king threatened to destroy his crops and factory if he did not comply despite having all necessary documentation, including receipts and survey plans.

“I thought he was joking,” he said, recalling his disbelief at the king’s threats.

Oyediran said he informed Oba Alao that he had used the land as collateral for a bank loan, emphasizing that the documents were with the bank.

Oyediran alleged that a bulldozer was sent to demolish his crops between November 28 and December 5, just as they were nearing harvest.

“The maize and beans were almost ready then, and I had nothing to feed my family,” he lamented.

Oyediran said he reported the incident to the police, but the intervention proved futile.

He added that the matter was also reported at the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing unit on January 24 of his ongoing plight and three persons were arrested but were later freed without any prosecution or questioning.

Oyediran alleged that his life is under threat. He said, “I was assaulted by the police officer attached to the monarch and one his aides, the police attacked me, bruised my head with a gun butt, I was injured and I went to the hospital to treat myself.

“I have all the documents of this land with me, this is my land, I bought it legitimately and I have all the documents backing it up, and they’re genuine documents, I’m pleading to Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to help me on this matter, this land is my source of livelihood and have lost a lot of things since last year November when I was barred from entering the land.”

In a swift reaction, Oba Alao firmly denied the allegations, stating that he acquired his own 26-acre land legally and possesses all necessary documents and government approvals for a development project in Orile Igbon.

“I will not dignify Mr. Oyediran David with an argument because I acquired my land in accordance with the law,” the king declared.

Oba Alao expressed that, as a father and out of humane consideration, he had made efforts to listen to David and address his concerns.

“I have been positive towards him,” he said, adding that David is free to pursue any legal action he deems necessary.

“If he enjoys the right to take any action that pleases him, he is at liberty to go to court if he so wishes,” he stated, urging Oyediran to stop making what he called “baseless allegations” that could harm his reputation.