The Alangua/Magaji Forum in llorin Emirate of Kwara has warned that the illegal claim of ownership of land from Moro River through Oke-Weru River to Igbeti-Oyo state boundary by Oju-Ekun family should stop.
This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Sulukainani AbdulRahman and Alhaji Kayode Sidiq, the Chairman and Secretary of the forum, on Monday in Ilorin.
“Arising from the general meeting of the Ilorin Emirate held recently in respect of the subject matter, the forum noted that the publications peddled in the media suggested that Oju-Ekun family are uncultured.
“This is because all information therein are false and full of imaginative thinking, capable of misleading and misinforming the general public,” it stated.
The forum noted that distortion of the already existing historical facts was considered inimical that could destabilise the existing peaceful co-existence of the natives of Ilorin Emirate.
“The Ilorin Emirate Alangua/Magaji Forum is against these publications and has therefore warn the leadership of the Oju-Ekun family to desist from such claims.
“Particularly, the use of unwarranted and uncivilised words against the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and the Alimi Dynasty,” it stated.
The forum however said that it was on record that the said parcel of land under reference was vested by cultural and traditional rites to the Alimi dynasty.
They further said that the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari, had never directed traditional rulers to relinquish their authority and leadership to anybody or group to oversee the land.
“As a demonstration of goodness inhibited in Alimi dynasty of Ilorin Emirate, it therefore apportioned this large expanse of land to 13 other traditional rulers to administer and hold in trust for the Emir.
“The 13 traditional rulers includes: Alangua Awe, Alangua Agbona, Alangua Adigbongbo, Alangua Onire, Alangua Elebue, Alangua Fatai, Alangua Sosoki and Alangua Babadudu.
“Also, Alangua Bakase, Alangua Gbongbo Ona, Alangua Ode Giwa, Alangua Alapa Koro and Alangua Yowore.”