The Ijesa community has raised an alarm over an alleged attempt by some traditional chiefs to hijack a parcel of land designated for the Ijesa Youth Development Center.
The alarming development prompted immediate action from stakeholders of the project to safeguard the land and its intended purpose.
The land, located at Ajanaku Estate Layout, Off Ijebu-Jesa Road, PowerLine Area, Ilesa, was donated in 2013 by the Ijesa Young Women Elites Society, Lagos, under the leadership of Chief Mrs. Ilaka.
It was legally acquired with all necessary approvals and has been earmarked for a transformative youth development project endorsed by the Late Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II CFR LLD, alongside other prominent Ijesa figures.
However, tensions rose when some chiefs allegedly erected a signpost falsely labeling the land as “Chief Basemi Ijesaland Chieftaincy Land.”
This act has elicited outrage among community members, who have described it as a greedy and counterproductive attempt to sabotage the future of Ijesaland’s youth.
In response to the alarm raised by the community, stakeholders of the Ijesa Youth Development Center swiftly intervened, assuring the public that all legal documents confirming ownership of the land are intact and available for verification.
They issued a stern warning to those involved in the fraudulent claim, vowing to take decisive legal action against any further disruptions.
“This is not just a piece of land; it is a beacon of hope for our youth. We will ensure that the law takes its full course against anyone trying to derail this vital project,” the stakeholders said in a statement seen on it’s social media platform
The Ijesa Youth Development Center aims to address unemployment and foster personal development among Ijesa youth across six local government areas.
The project includes facilities such as a library, ICT center, sports complex, and an entrepreneurship hub, all designed to provide free access to skill acquisition and development programs.
The foundation-laying ceremony in June 2022 was attended by notable figures, including Bishop Mike Bamidele of Victory Chapel International and His Wife, Mrs. Foluke Makanjuola, Mr. Niran Babz, Hon. Omolebi Sunday, Mr. Jare Ayo Martins, General Manager of Uniq FM & Freedom Television, Supol Martins Bamigboye who was the Ilesa Divisional Police Officer at that time.
The project also enjoys the blessings and the support of prominent Ijesa figures.
Questions have also arisen regarding why the chieftaincy family is laying claim to land that does not belong to them, especially when their actions contradict the directive of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. The monarch had earlier announced that no one should drag his name into the hijack of other people’s land.
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