The paramount Ruler of Offa, Offa Local Government Area, Kwara state, Oba Mufutau Gbadamasi has debunked allegations by members of Ijehu community that he invades and forcefully take over their lands.
Many people have reportedly sustained varying degrees of injury as people of Ijehu community in the Offa local government area of Kwara state and some agents allegedly sent by the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, clashed over ownership of a community farmland.
The Daily Times, gathered that cutlasses, guns and other dangerous weapons, were freely used by the people when they clashed on the piece of land located at Ijehu last weekend.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara state command, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the development, said that about five people had been arrested over the clash, as investigation further revealed that those detained included 85-year-old farmer, Murtala Eso.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Thursday, when members of Ijehu community staged a peaceful protest against alleged oppression by the traditional ruler to the state House of Assembly, the Baale of the community, Moshood Adeogun, said that the monarch used thugs to drive them away from their land.
Adeogun, who said that about seven hectares of cashew plantation planted over 40 years ago among other cash crops, were allegedly destroyed by men of the traditional ruler, added that their people, who sustained varying degrees of injury were in hospital.
Also speaking, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, explained that the piece of land belonged to his Esuwoye family, saying that grandparents of the people only took care of the land on behalf of his family, adding that they had been informed severally on the need to retrieve the land from them.
He also said that the people, together with about 15 armed thugs, attacked his men when they went to clear the farmland at the weekend, adding that his people sustained varying degrees of injury.
Oba Gbadamosi, who said that the cleared lands were freely given out to his people to plant maize and sell afterwards, added that the proceeds would help better their socioeconomic lives.
He also said that he was prepared for amicable resolution of the matter should the people embrace peace and atone for their sins.
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