Residents and indigenes of Irokun Kingdom in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State have issued an urgent distress call to the Ogun State Government, pleading for immediate intervention to address escalating tensions and intimidation from neighboring Ondo State. The community, located at the boundary between Ogun and Ondo States, has raised alarms over repeated acts of harassment, intimidation, and potential land annexation attempts by forces from Ondo State.
The latest incident occurred earlier today, January 30, 2025, when a combined team of armed soldiers, police officers, Amotekun operatives, and suspected hoodlums arrived in Igboedu, a town within Irokun Kingdom. The group, reportedly traveling with three gunboats and a speedboat, caused widespread panic and trauma among residents. Although their mission remains unclear, reliable sources suggest that the team may be attempting to illegally install an Oba (traditional ruler) from Ondo State, in direct conflict with the Ogun State-recognized monarch, HRM Kabiyesi Onirokun of Irokun Kingdom.
This move is believed to be part of a broader strategy to gain control over the land and exploit its untapped resources, potentially undermining Ogun State’s authority over the area.
In a statement issued by Prince Olatunji Balogun and Mr. Arthur Iyamore on behalf of the kingdom, the community called on the Ogun State Government, particularly the Ministries of Land/Boundary and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Ogun Waterside Local Government, and the Ogun State Police Command, to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
“We are suffering from constant intimidation and harassment due to our location at the boundary between Ogun and Ondo States. Today’s incident was a traumatic experience for our people, and we fear for our safety and the future of our land. We urgently call on the Ogun State Government to intervene before we are left at the mercy of these unscrupulous elements,” the statement read.
The community emphasized the need for proactive measures to safeguard their lives, property, and cultural heritage, warning that failure to act could lead to further unrest and potential annexation of their territory.
As tensions rise, residents of Irokun Kingdom remain on edge, hoping for swift action from the Ogun State Government to address the crisis and restore peace to the area.
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