Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, the Obawure of Ifetuntun in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, has raised an alarm over a revived boundary conflict between his community and neighboring towns in the Ijebu axis. In a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the monarch alleged plans to destroy his community and appealed for urgent security intervention. Addressing journalists in Akure, he called for the arrest of those instigating the unrest linked to the long-disputed 30-mile stretch of land known as Ifetuntun.
Recounting the history of the conflict, Oba Osunmakinde explained that the federal government had previously intervened in 2001 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, leading to peaceful cohabitation after a boundary was established by the Surveyor General’s office. He also referenced a state chieftaincy inquiry between 2008 and 2009 that recognized Ifetuntun as a legitimate town, culminating in his official installation as monarch by the late Ooni of Ife and the then-governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
The monarch, however, lamented that hostilities resumed in 2016 when thugs allegedly led by a government forest guard attacked Ifetuntun, destroying properties worth over ₦2 billion. Although arrests were made, the main suspects evaded justice. The matter was later settled outside the courts with the help of traditional and political leaders. Despite this, the community has remained vulnerable to violence and intimidation.
Oba Osunmakinde warned that the situation has worsened recently, with armed hoodlums openly operating and extorting road users while impersonating state officials. He accused Amotekun operatives of victimizing innocent residents under alleged political orders. Expressing deep concern over threats of imminent demolition from top officials, the monarch pleaded with the IGP and relevant authorities to urgently protect Ifetuntun and uphold the rule of law.
