Members of the Afonja Descendants Union (ADU) in Kwara State have made an urgent appeal to the state governor and the traditional ruler to prevent a potential conflict over family land in Ilorin.
An Appeal for Intervention to Avert Crisis
In a press statement dated 19 December 2025, the union formally requested the intervention of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari. The ADU aims to stop an imminent crisis concerning ancestral land within the Ilorin metropolis. The union's leadership, including President Alhaji Abdulkareem Olola Kasum and General Secretary Alhaji Hassan Amao, signed the statement.
Allegations of Name-Dropping and Illegal Acquisition
The union alleges that certain individuals are exploiting the influence of the Emir's palace to seize land illegally from various families. They specifically mentioned threats to properties belonging to the Idiape (Afonja) family. The ADU described the actions of these individuals as criminal and called on the Emir to caution his aides against using his name for such purposes.
"According to a verified fact, one of the Emir’s personal assistants has been playing significant roles, using his position in the Emir’s palace to influence the (alleged) takeover of our family land at Modi and Ogundele axis," the statement read. The union expressed concern that these actions are falsely portraying the family as being in conflict with the royal institution.
Clarification and Call for Amicable Resolution
The Idiape family members were quick to clarify that they hold the Emir in the highest esteem and have no dispute with him. Their grievance is solely with those allegedly misusing his authority.
"We are saying it categorically that Afonja Descendants Union of Idiape Family do not have any issue with the Emir... but this does not mean that Serikin Dongari can be using the Emir’s name to acquire or take over our customary land, which is our heritage," the statement emphasized.
The union has called on the general public and all relevant authorities to examine the situation at the Modi and Ogundele lands axis with seriousness. They seek a peaceful and just resolution to the matter to maintain harmony in the community.
