Our attention has been drawn to recent misleading comments credited to the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, representing Atiba State Constituency, regarding the ongoing land dispute between the Awe Community and the Elepe Family of Oyo Town. His remarks — suggesting that Awe leaders are attempting to forcibly take possession of land or issue eviction threats — are not only false and unfounded but also capable of inciting unnecessary tension between peaceful neighbours.
AWE: The LAWFUL and ORIGINAL OWNER
The land in question, covering more than 15,000 acres of farmland at Ijefon villages and its environs, including the so-called Ahoro Iseke (otherwise known as Popoola) in Afijio Local Government Area, lawfully and historically belongs to the Awe Community. The Elepe Family’s claim to ownership is a baseless attempt to rewrite history and stir unrest.
HISTORICAL FACTS
Historical records are clear: in 1871, the Alaawe of Awe graciously granted a portion of land to the Elepe Family strictly for farming purposes. Unfortunately, generations later, the Elepe descendants began to lay false claims of ownership over the entire expanse of land — a position without historical, traditional, or legal merit.
Prior to the institution of the present court case, Awe Town, being a peace-loving community, reached out to the former Elepe, late Chief Rasaki Adebayo, and the entire elders of the Iseke Family in pursuit of an amicable settlement, but all efforts proved abortive.
Similarly, Awe leaders appealed to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, through Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, to caution the Oyo dwellers encroaching on Awe land to forestall any form of litigation — again, without success.
It is also on record that the Elepe Family has been selling portions of the disputed land — running into hundreds of acres — to unsuspecting and uninformed buyers, despite clear legal pronouncements confirming Awe’s ownership.
COURT JUDGEMENTS CONFIRM AWE’S OWNERSHIP
We wish to state emphatically that both the High Court and the Court of Appeal have delivered judgments in favour of Awe Community, confirming it as the rightful and original owner of the disputed land.
Following due legal process, execution of the valid court judgment was carried out on August 23, 2023, with all relevant authorities — including the Oyo State Government, the Oyo State Police Command, and the Afijio Local Government Council — duly notified. These facts are verifiable through official court records.
AWE’S COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND DUE PROCESS
Awe Community has never issued any seven-day ultimatum or threatened any individual or group. We are peace-loving and law-abiding people who respect constituted authority. The Deputy Governor, who oversees land and boundary matters in Oyo State, has been fully briefed on the matter and is handling it appropriately.
CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY AND GOVERNMENT ACTION
While we appreciate the legislative concern raised by Hon. Oyekola, we strongly caution against making unverified and inflammatory statements that could mislead the public or inflame communal tensions.
We therefore call on the Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to caution the Elepe Family and their sponsors against further unlawful actions capable of disturbing the peace of Awe and its environs.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Awe Community remains the legitimate owner of more than 15,000 acres of land at Ijefon villages and its environs, including Ahoro Iseke (Popoola), as confirmed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. We remain committed to peace, lawful conduct, and coexistence with our neighbours. However, we will no longer tolerate misinformation, trespass, or illegal sale of our ancestral land.
We trust that the Oyo State Government, under His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSc, will continue to uphold justice, fairness, and peace across Oyo State.
Signed:
For and on behalf of Awe Community Leaders,
Afijio Local Government, Oyo State
November 3, 2025
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the facts regarding the land in question. Contrary to some recent statements that have been attributed to Hon. Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, who is the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and represents the Atiba State Constituency, the Elepe family does not actually own the land in Awe. The Elepe family was only granted the land for farming purposes and later made the choice to settle there. It is very important to state unequivocally and clearly that the land rightfully belongs to the Awe community and no other party.
I would like to take this opportunity to thoroughly clarify and set straight the facts concerning the land in question in detail. Contrary to recent public statements attributed to Honorable Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, who serves as the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and represents the Atiba State Constituency, it is extremely important to emphasize and reiterate that the Elepe family does not have ownership of the land located in Awe. Rather, the Elepe family was granted the land solely for the specific purpose of farming activities, and they subsequently chose to establish their settlement there as a result. It is absolutely crucial to clearly and unequivocally state that the land rightfully belongs to the Awe community, and no other party or group has any legitimate ownership or claim over it whatsoever. I respectfully and earnestly urge Honorable Gbenga Joseph Oyekola to cease and desist from any actions, comments, or remarks that could potentially ignite or escalate tensions between what have always otherwise been peaceful neighboring communities. Maintaining harmony and mutual respect among these communities should be of the utmost priority.
Prince Oyedapo Oyetunde