KAKAKIOODUA Online Media was among the media organisations that attended a press briefing organised by the reconstituted Committee on Land Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs (CLMCA) of Ijesaland, marking the formal commencement of the committee's activities.
The meeting opened with an introduction by Lady Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Chief of Staff to the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
The Secretary of the committee, Professor Kolawole Kazeem, later addressed journalists and explained the committee's responsibilities, how members of the public could submit complaints and the schedule for public hearings.
The committee was inaugurated by Owa Haastrup on October 17, 2026, to help promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in Ijesaland and Osun State.
Committee to Tackle Land Grabbing and Chieftaincy Disputes
According to Professor Kazeem, the committee was set up to support the vision of Owa Haastrup to protect the rights, dignity and interests of the people.
He explained that land and chieftaincy matters were important issues that affected the peace and development of communities.
The committee will look into complaints about land grabbing, illegal land sales, trespassing, intimidation and extortion by people who claim to be landowners or act in the name of communities.
It will also examine cases involving people known as Omo Onile who allegedly harass genuine landowners and property developers.
The committee will also address land disputes involving neighbouring towns and villages, especially where such disputes affect the peace and interests of Ijesaland.
On chieftaincy matters, the committee will help resolve existing disputes, look into outstanding cases and assist the throne in addressing vacant traditional titles.
It will also help screen candidates for chieftaincy positions.
Public Invited to Submit Complaints
The committee has announced that members of the public, families, groups and communities with genuine complaints about land or chieftaincy matters can approach it for assistance.
All complaints must be submitted in writing and addressed to:
The Chairman, Committee on Land Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs (CLMCA).
Applicants are required to submit 12 copies of their applications, together with relevant supporting documents, to the committee's secretariat at:
Obokun Adimula Palace, Ereja Square, Ilesa, Osun State.
Complainants will also be given the opportunity to explain their cases during public hearings.
The committee announced that public sittings will hold every Thursday and Friday of the first and third weeks of each month.
The sittings will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Owa Haastrup Demands Fairness and Justice
Speaking earlier during the inauguration of the reconstituted nine-member committee at his throne room, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup said land was more than a piece of property.
He described land as a source of shelter, livelihood, identity, inheritance and investment that could support families and communities for generations.
However, he warned that land could become a source of fear and conflict when people use intimidation, extortion, manipulation and false claims to take control of property.
The monarch also referred to the land dispute near Ilesa involving property associated with the Leventis Foundation.
He said such disputes must be handled carefully, with fairness and respect for the law, to prevent them from threatening public peace.
Owa Haastrup explained that the committee was formed after a careful nomination process which considered the character, ability, integrity and representation of its members.
He disclosed that an updated report by the Nomination Committee, submitted by Her Excellency, Erelu Olusola Obada, on October 10, 2026, guided the selection of members.
He also directed the committee to make fairness, equality, justice and transparency its guiding principles.
According to him, everyone appearing before the committee must be treated with respect, while all evidence must be carefully examined.
He warned members against using their positions to settle personal disputes, intimidate people or give special treatment to relatives, friends and associates.
The monarch further explained that traditional methods of consultation, mediation, arbitration and reconciliation remained important in resolving community disputes.
However, he stressed that such methods must respect customary law, the Land Use Act and other relevant laws of the country.
He added that cases beyond the committee's authority must be referred to the appropriate government institutions or courts.
Members of the committee present at the press briefing included:
* Pa Ebenezer Ademola Adefalu – Chairman
Chief Daramola Sunday Daisi, the Ajiroba of Ipetu-Ijesa, Mr Isaac Orolugbagbe and Honourable Justice Adedotun Onibokun, Honorary Consultant, sent apologies for their absence.
Ijesa Traditional Chiefs Show Support
Several prominent traditional chiefs and community leaders attended the meeting to show their support for the committee.
Those present included the Obaala of Ilesa, High Chief Adeniyi Ibitoye; Ogboni of Ilesa, High Chief Saka Fapounda; Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Adenoeale Ojo Omoniyi; Loja Bode Owofade, the Olumolu; and Ejemo of Ilesa, High Chief Tolulope Falomo.
Others were the Yeyerise of Ilesa, Hannah Bolanle Ojo and Isogbas, High Chief Afolabi Makanjuola, Odole of Ilesa and Elder Komolafe Sina, Secretary to Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.
Their presence showed the support of the traditional institution for the committee and its assignment.
The committee has now formally opened its doors to members of the public, with a clear message that genuine complaints about land and chieftaincy matters will receive attention.
The major expectation is that the committee will help reduce land disputes, protect the rights of the people, resolve chieftaincy disagreements and strengthen peace across Ijesaland.
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