Land Dispute: Yakooyo Community Refutes Land Grabbing Allegations Against Gen. Akinrinade

-Calls For Adeleke’s Intervention

-Warns Against Another Communal Crisis In Osun

The Yakooyo Progressive Union (YPU) has refuted allegations of land grabbing leveled against retired General Alani Akinrinade by residents of Moro, describing the claims as baseless and malicious.

The union stated that the allegations are a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Civil War hero and respected community leader.

Speaking on behalf of the union, the President, Comrade Wale Oyebowale and Secretary, Chief Olarewaju Folusho, in a statement expressed disappointment over the recent report published by Sahara Reporters, which accused General Akinrinade of deploying military personnel to intimidate residents of Moro and seize public property.

“It is completely unacceptable for a media platform such as Sahara Reporters to engage in biased and imbalanced reporting. Such practices erode public trust and undermine the principles of journalism,” the spokesperson said. “Responsible journalism demands impartiality through fact-checking and presenting diverse perspectives. Abandoning these standards threatens the foundation of a well-informed citizenry.”

The union referenced a judgment obtained in 2016 from the High Court of Justice, Ile-Ife, which affirmed the ownership of the disputed land by the Yakooyo community. The ruling, certified as a true copy by the Principal Registrar, Niyi Mustapha, clearly stated that the plaintiff in the case (representing the Moro community) failed to adequately prove ownership of the land.

The judgment noted that the plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence to establish the location and identity of the disputed land, thereby dismissing the claims entirely.

“From the above pleadings of the parties, I find and hold that the plaintiff in this case failed to give the exact extent and adequate description of the land he is claiming,” the judgment read. “On the whole, the plaintiff’s action lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed in its entirety.”

The YPU also presented a certified survey of the land obtained from the Surveyor General’s office, further establishing their rightful ownership.

Akinrinade Denies Allegations

Reacting to the allegations, General Akinrinade dismissed claims of using military influence to intimidate residents or seize land.

He described the accusations as unfounded, stating that he had no interest in converting public property into personal use.

“I don’t have a plan to take over the land,” Akinrinade said in a telephone interview. “I know the land you are talking about. I also live in Yakooyo. I have been living there for years. There is no plan to use military personnel to suppress anyone.”

The retired general revealed that the idea to construct a multipurpose hall in his father’s honor originally came from the Moro king, adding that he had no resources to finance such a project.

“The king of that place first brought the idea of constructing a multipurpose hall to honor my late father,” Akinrinade explained. “I told him he should proceed if my late father left resources for such. I don’t even know who erected the signage people are talking about.”

The YPU called on the public to disregard the false allegations and remain peaceful, emphasizing that there is no communal crisis between Yakooyo and Moro. The union urged journalists to verify facts before publishing stories that could inflame tensions between communities.

The union reiterated its commitment to fostering peace and unity, stating, “We appeal to the good people of Moro and Yakooyo to shun any provocation and work together for the development of our communities.”

Warning the people of Moro to desist from any action capable of causing communal crisis, YPU called on the Inspector General of Police, Director, State Security Services , other security agencies as well as Osun State Boundary Commission to save their people from “an age long invasion of their land”.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, the AIG Zone 11 zonal command, Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, the Director, State Security Services, Osun State Command, State Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). Osun State Boundary Commission to save Yakooyo people from an age long invasions and perpetual desire for annihilation of our people from our ancestral place.

“It is important to state that Osun State cannot afford another communal crisis.

” Hence we call on all relevant Stakeholders in Osun State under the leadership of His Excellency, Gov. Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke to help us look into this matter and get it rested.

“We equally appeal to our people to remain peaceful as ever and continue with their daily business activities as we count on our proactive Governor for final remedy.”