The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, has denied allegations of land grabbing linked to the ongoing development of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in the town.

The monarch responded to claims made by Dr. Sunday Oyeyemi, who alleged that Oba Ajakaye and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele were involved in forcibly taking land from local farmers. In a statement released after a meeting of the Oluyin-in-Council on Thursday, July 31, the monarch said the accusations were untrue and misleading.

Oba Ajakaye said the land-related disputes surrounding the university project had been the subject of several peace meetings aimed at resolving the matter. He said: “Efforts have been made to amicably resolve the issues through dialogue for more than six consecutive times.”

He also stated that steps were underway to assess the value of crops planted on the disputed land to determine appropriate compensation for affected landowners. “We reminded the parties involved of the need to determine the worth of the crops planted to ascertain compensation costs,” the monarch said.

Addressing concerns over protests and online reports, the Oluyin-in-Council urged residents to verify information and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims.

“We encourage all noble sons and daughters of Iyin-Ekiti to please seek the facts, verify, and propagate across all platforms,” Oba Ajakaye said.

The Head of Okelawe Quarters, High Chief Olubobokun Ibikunle, also said that compensation would be provided to those whose farms were affected by the university project. Representatives of the Awolu, Ajana, and Elemo families, whose lands were among those acquired, called on Dr. Oyeyemi to refrain from making further statements that could affect the community’s image.

They said discussions on land use and compensation had been held with Chief Ganiyu Badmus, the Adamo of Okelawe Quarters, who was aware of the resolutions.

In a separate statement, the Okelawe community disassociated itself from further actions taken by Dr. Oyeyemi and reiterated its support for the university project.