Landgrabbing: Iyin-Ekiti Leaders Allege Conspiracy To Sabotage New Federal University

Community leaders in Iyin-Ekiti have publicly accused Dr. Sunday Oyeyemi and alleged collaborators of orchestrating a campaign to obstruct the progress and development of the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences.

The accusation came following a meeting held on Thursday by the Oluyin-in-Council, where they vehemently refuted what they described as false and unsubstantiated reports concerning the university’s establishment.

Leading the charge, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye III, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, firmly dismissed allegations of land-grabbing levelled against the throne and other prominent figures, including Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

The Council deemed these claims “false and malicious,” branding them as cheap propaganda designed to distract from and ultimately sabotage the university project.

Central to the community’s concern is Dr. Oyeyemi’s alleged role in disseminating negative media reports and instigating protests that they believe are detrimental to the overall progress of Iyin-Ekiti.

Highlighting ongoing efforts to address concerns surrounding land acquisition for the university, High Chief Olubobokun Ibikunle, the Head of Okelawe Quarters, assured that those whose farms have been allocated for the project would be compensated soon.

Representatives from the Awolu, Ajana, and Elemo families, whose lands were also acquired, echoed this sentiment, urging Dr. Oyeyemi to cease tarnishing the reputation of their families and the community.

They emphasized that resolutions had already been reached with the knowledge of Chief Ganiyu Badmus, the Adamo of Okelawe Quarters.

The Okelawe community further distanced itself from Dr. Oyeyemi’s actions in a joint press release issued in collaboration with the Palace Media, stating they would no longer support any actions that disrupt the town’s progress.

According to the Palace Media, attempts have been made to amicably resolve the issues through dialogue on more than six separate occasions.

The palace also reminded stakeholders of the necessity to assess the value of crops planted on the affected land to determine appropriate compensation for landowners and farmers.

“We encourage all noble sons and daughters of Iyin-Ekiti to please seek the facts, verify them, and share them across all platforms,” the Palace statement urged.

“Let us protect the University of Technology and Environmental Sciences from interests that do not align with the development of our community.”

The allegations highlight a growing tension within Iyin-Ekiti regarding the new university and its impact on the community.

As the university project moves forward, it remains to be seen how these disagreements will be resolved and whether Dr. Oyeyemi will respond to the accusations leveled against him.