Residents of Glorious Community, Iyana Emirin in Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest following the forcible lockdown of their homes by members of the Edemo family amid a lingering land dispute.
The protesters, comprising landlords, homeowners, and tenants, marched out in large numbers despite the heavy downpour, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs. They accused the Edemo (Aduloju) family of padlocking their houses, shops, and even uncompleted buildings—with the alleged backing of men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
The residents, in a Save Our Soul (SOS) appeal, called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, the Senator representing Ekiti Central, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe III, to urgently intervene before the situation escalates.
Some of the placards read: “Governor Oyebanji, save our houses,” “We should not be collateral damage in family disputes,” and “Ewi, please call Aduloju and Fajemilua families to order.”
Chairman of the community, Dr. Femi Olowookere, recounted how residents returned home after Tuesday’s heavy rainfall only to find their gates and doors chained.
“They came with chains and padlocks, making it impossible for us to enter our homes. Many of us had to pass the night at friends’ houses. We paid for these lands and obtained all necessary documents before building. This is very unfair,” he lamented.
Olowookere added that some elderly residents and the sick were unable to access medical care as they were trapped inside their locked homes.
Another resident, Mrs. Bamigboye Funmilayo, described the action as “a commando-style invasion.”
> “We did not settle here by accident; we paid everything required and have valid documents. Little children were locked inside, crying and scared, thinking kidnappers had come. This is traumatic,” she said.
An elderly woman, who pleaded anonymity, explained that the dispute between the Aduloju (Edemo) and Fajemilua families has subjected residents to endless threats and extortion.
> “One family comes with court papers claiming ownership, then another comes with its own documents. We have paid and repaid before building here, even registering the community with the local government. Now that the area has developed, they want to demolish our houses. Government must not allow our sweat to go in vain,” she pleaded.
The crisis stems from a supremacy battle between the Aduloju (Edemo) and Fajemilua families over ownership of the land. The dispute, which has spanned years, has now spilled over to residents, many of whom fear losing their hard-earned investments.
The landlords vowed to continue their peaceful protests until the government steps in to resolve the matter permanently.