By SUNTV Global Channel
A youth group in Ondo State has accused the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of planning to resettle Ugbo-Ilaje people on the disputed Opu-Akpatakubu ancestral land in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, warning that such a move could reignite long-standing communal tensions.
The allegations were made by the Akpata Community Youth Council of the Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom during a press briefing on Friday. The group claimed it had received credible information suggesting that the state government intends to relocate some Ugbo-Ilaje residents to the disputed territory.
According to the council, Opu-Akpatakubu is an ancestral homeland belonging to the Akpata community and should not be allocated or developed without consultation with the indigenous people and other relevant stakeholders.
The youth leaders warned that any attempt to alter the ownership or demographic composition of the area without the consent of the host community could threaten the fragile peace that has existed since the violent communal clashes of 1998, which reportedly claimed lives, displaced residents, and destroyed property.
They called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to suspend any proposed action relating to the disputed land until meaningful dialogue is held with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
The council also stated that while it supports development projects in the area, such initiatives should not be used to alter the status of ancestral land or create perceptions of ethnic bias.
In addition, the group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to ensure the matter is handled peacefully, lawfully, and without bias.
The youths further urged the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom to encourage dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the affected communities to prevent any escalation of tensions.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace, the Akpata Community Youth Council said it remains open to constructive engagement but vowed to protect what it described as its ancestral heritage through lawful and constitutional means.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ondo State Government had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the youth council.
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