Iwoye Yewa Residents Cry Out as APC Ward Chairman, Yemi Edun, Others Face Land Encroachment Allegations

Residents of Iwoye Community in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State have petitioned Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice over alleged land grabbing and encroachment in the area.

The community accused an APC ward chairman, Mr. Yemi Edun Ogunleye, popularly known as Orenge, alongside others, of unlawfully taking over and selling ancestral land belonging to the community without the consent of rightful owners and traditional authorities.

The residents, made up of women, youths, and elders, described the development as a growing threat to peace, safety, and the communal heritage of Iwoye, warning that tension in the area could escalate if urgent intervention is not taken by government and security agencies.

Some aggrieved residents who spoke with journalists alleged that the disputed land, inherited from their forefathers, was being encroached upon by individuals allegedly led by Mr. Edun.

“We are raising our voices because land belonging to our ancestors is being taken over without due process. This issue is causing fear and unrest in our community,” one of the residents said.

In a petition obtained by our correspondent, which the community had formally submitted to relevant authorities, including the Ogun State Ministry of Justice, seeking immediate intervention.

According to a copy of the petition, the allegations against the accused persons include threat to life, malicious damage, forcible entry, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The community appealed to Governor Abiodun, the Inspector-General of Police, and all agencies responsible for land administration and dispute resolution to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.

Residents also urged security agencies to step into the situation before it degenerates further, insisting that peace in the community is under serious threat.

It would be recalled that the land dispute had earlier sparked protests in the area, with angry residents blocking the Ilaro/Owode-Yewa Road for several hours while demanding government intervention.

When contacted for his reaction, Mr. Yemi Edun Ogunleye denied the allegations, insisting that the land in question belongs to his family and had been duly ratified by the then Kabiyesi of Ilaro, Oba Tella Adekambi.