The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has appealed for peace between Iwaro and Asipa communities both in Ife North local government area of the state, following a protracted land dispute that has claimed lives and caused destruction.
The police chief, who on Thursday led some senior officers to the two towns, warned residents against further violence, stressing that anyone who instigates conflict will face the full wrath of the law. He also pleaded with members of the communities to embrace peace.
At Iwaro Kingdom, CP Gotan said he was unhappy with the hostility between the communities and urged residents to embrace dialogue instead of bloodshed. “Whoever starts conflict again will face his or her offense,” he warned, insisting that peace remains the only way forward.
Responding, the Oluwaro of Iwaro, Oba. Dr. Emmanuel Adesokan Ayoola, said he had always stood for peace but lamented that his people had suffered repeated attacks since 2017 over a land dispute, despite a white paper on land ownership which, according to him, had already been challenged at the court.
The monarch alleged that rival groups from Asipa stormed Iwaro, destroyed his palace, attacked farmers, and looted harvests. He recalled that one of his subjects was killed on his farmland just nine days before his coronation, despite ongoing legal actions over the matter.
“The government shouldn’t show favoritism or bias. They should be able to deal with whoever is found guilty of any offense,” Oba Ayoola said, calling for quick and decisive action from security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police and his team later visited Asipa, where he again emphasized the importance of reconciliation. He pleaded with the people to forgive past grievances, stressing that peace must supersede violence, and urged both communities to seek legal redress rather than resorting to clashes.
“Without peace there can be no development,” CP Gotan declared, warning that he would personally descend on anyone who instigates fresh trouble.
In his remarks, the Alasipa of Asipa, HRM Oba Babawale Mufutau Oyehan, assured that his community would embrace peace. He commended the police for their efforts and pledged to support security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
Oba Oyekanmi added that land should not be a reason for endless hostility, stressing that both communities are bound together by history and shared heritage.
“We met ourselves here, and there will be nobody who can claim this land. I don’t see any reason why we should prioritize materialism because in the end, it’s all about eternity. Leaders will one day give account before the Creator who gave us life,” he said.
The monarch gave a firm assurance that peace will henceforth reign between the two communities, describing Iwaro and Asipa as neighbors with the same historical and cultural roots.
The visit is expected to calm tensions as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further breakdown of law and order in the area.
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