By Jeleel Olawale

The Igbaro lineage of the Ojaja Royal Compound has cautioned the public against falling victim to misinformation and fraud amid an ongoing dispute over the distribution of land belonging to the late Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Olasoni Orayigba, Ojaja I.

At a post–press conference titled “Igbaro lineage post press conference on formal sharing of late Ooni Ojaja property,” the family raised concerns over the alleged monopolization of more than 3,000 acres of land located at Fasina, along the Ife–Ibadan expressway in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The late monarch, a revered ruler, had eight children: Prince Olafisan Ogunwusi, Prince Aderinwale, Prince Ilugbonka, Prince Adetimpe, Prince Orabade, Prince Abraham Igbaro—who served as Baale between 1953 and 1968 and oversaw the establishment of the Nigeria Police Division in Moore—Ile-Ife—Prince Arubu, and Prince Arowo. All eight are now deceased, with only one lineage said to have gone into extinction.

According to the Igbaro family, the property has remained a subject of controversy for years. Following what they described as persistent “hullabaloo,” the lineage decided to publicly clarify the situation through various media platforms, including Hope FM, Freedom TV, Osun Defender, and multiple online outlets. They stated their readiness to pursue justice in court alongside the five other lineages involved in the dispute.

The family emphasized that each lineage retains historical huts and designated territories—such as Ogunwusi village belonging to the lineage of Late Prince Olafisan Ogunwusi, and Olodo village belonging to Prince Abraham Igbaro—which they claim have been wrongfully tampered with.

Speaking on behalf of the Igbaro lineage, Prince Awoyefa Teslim Eyitayo, said one lineage has allegedly prevented the remaining six from accessing the land due to what he described as “influence, wealth, fame, and tentacles over others.” Attempts at mediation, including meetings with traditional rulers and respected community leaders, have reportedly failed to resolve the impasse.

Prince Eyitayo further revealed that he was removed from the Ojaja Compound communication platform by the compound’s secretary, who is said to belong to the lineage allegedly claiming sole ownership of the inheritance. The secretary reportedly claimed his action was taken “under instruction from the above.”

He noted that the press conference was also intended to call the attention of prominent stakeholders, especially His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, whom he described as a father figure and expected mediator capable of resolving the matter before tensions escalate further.

“For over a decade, this crisis has lingered. We appeal to our amiable and indefatigable monarch to intervene before it spirals beyond control,” he said, adding that no one has challenged the content of their press briefing weeks after its release.

He emphasized that the communique issued—consisting of 25 key points—clarified various allegations and corrected misinformation circulating within the community. He urged the public to remain vigilant and not be deceived by individuals claiming sole rights to the disputed property.

According to him, the family is still awaiting a follow-up call from a notable figure within the royal compound after a recent meeting, expressing hope that peaceful resolution mechanisms will be fully explored before resorting to legal action.

The Igbaro lineage reiterated its trust in the judicial system, noting that the courts may become the “last hope” if internal mediation fails.