The Olufaki-in-Council has condemned the demolition of a broadcast journalist’s building in Ifaki-Ekiti by a traditional leader, the Olokun, Chief Tunji Olaiya, describing the action as unacceptable due to the absence of prior notice.
The position of the council was reached at a peace meeting convened by the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore, to resolve the land dispute between Mr and Princess Kelechi-David and the Olokun family.
In his address, Oba Falore said the meeting was aimed at restoring calm and sustaining the existing peace in the community.
He criticised the Olokun family for failing to properly notify or formally inform occupants before carrying out the demolition, stressing that such conduct would not be tolerated.
The monarch reaffirmed Ifaki-Ekiti’s reputation as a peaceful and accommodating community for both indigenes and non-indigenes, urging residents to continue to live in harmony.
He also directed that a viral video made by Princess Fadekemi Kelechi-David be taken down from social media, citing the need to prevent further tension.
Oba Falore further ordered the arrest of the land vendor, Mr Ade Olajide, accused of fraudulently selling the disputed land, and directed that he be prosecuted.
Speaking earlier, Princess Kelechi-David narrated the circumstances surrounding the land purchase and apologised to the traditional ruler and the people of Ifaki-Ekiti, both at home and in the diaspora, for any negative impression created by the video.
She explained that the recording was made out of frustration and promised to issue a rejoinder, while maintaining that the demolished building should be rebuilt.
Responding, the Olokun, Chief Tunji Olaiya, presented a court ruling affirming his family’s ownership of the land and advised previous buyers to liaise with the Olokun family.
Meanwhile, a member of the Olokun family, Mr Ade Olajide, admitted selling the same parcel of land to multiple buyers, including Mr and Princess Kelechi-David, and pleaded for leniency.
The Olufaki-in-Council advised the Olokun family to consider allocating plots of land to affected persons along Esure Road, Ika Junction, at a cost of four hundred thousand naira.
The council also resolved to engage further with Mr and Princess Kelechi-David to reach an amicable settlement over the demolished property.
It emphasised the need to protect and project the image of Ifaki-Ekiti as a peaceful, investor-friendly community.