*Land Dispute: Iddo-Ojesa Community Seeks Government Intervention*

By Johnson Oni

The Iddo-Ojesa community in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State has appealed to the government to intervene in a lingering land dispute between the community and Relix Mining Limited, in collaboration with Joshman Multiconcepts Company Limited.

Olusanmi Toyin, President of Iddo-Ojesa, made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja. He alleged that the community is in dispute with Relix Mining Company Limited, a Chinese company, which purportedly acquired the land through fraudulent means with the assistance of Joshman Multiconcept Limited, a Nigerian company, and other individuals.

According to Toyin, a consent agreement was signed on January 17, 2023, between the Omo Meru Family of Iddo Ojesa community and Joshman Multiconcept Company, owned by Mr. Dare Joshua former Caretaker Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, for a mining exploration license covering a small portion of the family land. However, Mr. Joshua's company allegedly sold the entire Meru family land to the Chinese company without the consent of the family head and other principal members.

"The agreement is unacceptable to the sons and daughters of the family," Toyin stated. "We urge the government, particularly the Kogi State Ministry of Land and Urban Developments and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, to intervene and prevent future crises."

The community is concerned about the environmental impact of mining activities if not properly monitored. Additionally, the disputed land allegedly encroaches on other communities, including Idofin, Makutu, Odogbe, Ilafin, and parts of Ifare, Iboro, Ofe, and Ipele clans in Yagba West Local Government Area.

A philanthropist, who had been using the land for agricultural purposes on a lease arrangement, expressed disappointment at the alleged fraudulent activities. "I am concerned about the environmental impact of mining activities and the well-being of the community," the philanthropist said.

In his reaction, the Baale of Odosin, Chief Olorusola Henry, expressed hope that justice will prevail. "We need development, but not at the expense of our ancestral land," he said.

The community secretary, Elder Taiye Ajayi, called on sons and daughters of the land to unite and fight for their rightful heritage. "We will not allow our land to be taken away from us," Ajayi stated.

However, Mr. Dare Joshua former Caretaker Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, claimed that the arrangement was properly done with all family heads represented. "Funds were transferred to the family account of the parties involved, including the farm operator," Joshua said.

The Agbana of Isanlu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Moses Etombi, maintained that the disputed land is not up to 253 square kilometers. "I have a constitutional right to attest to land transactions, as long as the family head and representatives agree," Oba Etombi said.

*Call for Intervention*

The Iddo-Ojesa community has called on the government to investigate the allegations and take necessary actions to protect their ancestral land.

Hassan Abubàkar -Editor