The Sehin Royal Family of Ipare community in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, has called on the state government and stakeholders to engage directly with them on matters related to the land allocated for the Ondo Free Trade Zone. This appeal comes after the Aheri Kingdom in the same local government area reportedly rejected attempts to acquire large portions of its ancestral land for the proposed Olokola Free Trade Zone and an alleged Dangote Industrial City.
The Aheri Kingdom had welcomed genuine investors, including Dangote Industries Limited, to develop projects within the Olokola Free Trade Zone along the Atlantic corridor. However, they opposed any land acquisition in the hinterland around Alape Lagoon and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The Aheri Kingdom's position was made known in a statement, but the Sehin Royal Family of Ipare disagreed, stating that the Ipare land is not part of the Aheri kingdom.
The Sehin Royal Family, through a statement signed by several family members, including Pa Ilemoboye Sheyin and Dr. Bayo Sheyin, emphasized that Ipare is not under Aheri Kingdom and has historically been affiliated with the Mahin kingdom. The family claimed that they were neither invited to nor represented at any meeting with the state government and investors, and therefore, any agreement made without their involvement is at the risk of the parties involved.
The Sehin Royal Family noted that they have exercised ownership over the Ipare/Alape land for centuries, with proofs including farming, fishing rights, grants to tenants, court judgments, survey plans, and colonial records. They expressed concern that government officials and investors have bypassed them in discussions on the development of the area, which may lead to litigation.
The family advised prospective investors to deal directly with their accredited representatives on matters of access, enumeration, acquisition, and compensation concerning Ipare/Alape land. They also requested to be included in the technical committee and all stakeholder engagements. The Sehin Royal Family remains open to dialogue with the government, investors, and their neighbors in the interest of peace and development.
The statement from the Sehin Royal Family concluded by warning that any agreement made with or payment made to any other person or body in respect of this land is made at their own risk. The family emphasized their willingness to engage in dialogue to avoid future conflicts and ensure peaceful development of the area.
The development has sparked concerns over land ownership and the need for government and investors to engage with the rightful owners of the land. The Ondo State government and investors would need to take the Sehin Royal Family's concerns into consideration to avoid potential disputes and litigation.
Key points
- The Sehin Royal Family of Ipare community wants to be directly involved in discussions on the proposed Olokola Free Trade Zone and Dangote Industrial City.
- The family claims Ipare land is not part of Aheri Kingdom and has historical affiliation with Mahin kingdom.
- Prospective investors are advised to engage with accredited representatives of the Sehin Royal Family on land acquisition and compensation matters.
