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•Spiritual leader raises the alarm over land dispute, seeks Tinubu, Makinde’s Intervention
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Satguru Maharaj Ji, leader of One Love Family, has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to his life arising from a disputed parcel of land in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Maharaj Ji, also known as the Perfect Living Master, who spoke at a press conference in Ibadan, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the matter, alongside relevant security agencies, to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
He alleged that a church led by an Ibadan-based pastor simply identified as Pastor David had taken possession of part of land which he said was acquired from the Aladorin family for the establishment of a Centre for Conflict Resolution.
According to him, the dispute had been reported to the Oyo State Government and taken before the state Anti-Land Grabbers Commission, where the parties were invited to present their claims.
Maharaj Ji alleged that the disputed portion, which he described as an area reserved for agricultural activities, was subsequently sold to the church.
He further alleged that security personnel were deployed during an attempt to gain access to the disputed property, resulting in the assault of some members of his community.
The spiritual leader said the matter was later taken to court and that an appeal was awaiting hearing.
Maharaj Ji also alleged that Pastor David had made statements threatening his life, including a purported claim that he was the “TB Joshua of Ibadan incarnate” and had come to eliminate him.
He further claimed that a video was shown at the pastor’s church depicting an alleged plan to kill him during a programme tagged “Wetie Crusade,” scheduled to run from September 17 until the end of the month.
Expressing concern over the choice of the word “Wetie,” Maharaj Ji recalled its historical association with political violence during the Western Region crisis of the 1960s.
He said the development was particularly concerning as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Maharaj Ji, who described himself as an advocate of peace, said he did not want the dispute to result in violence or threaten the safety of residents in the community and Ibadanland.
“I am a law-abiding citizen and believer in peace,” he said, while appealing to the government and security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure that the situation did not escalate.
The spiritual leader urged the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to take necessary steps within the law to protect lives and property and resolve the dispute peacefully.
He also called for stronger measures against land grabbing, including possible amendments to existing laws to impose stiffer sanctions on individuals involved in illegal acquisition of land.
Maharaj Ji maintained that he remained committed to peaceful coexistence and expressed confidence that the land dispute would ultimately be resolved through lawful means.
He concluded by appealing to Nigerians to remain committed to peace and national unity, stressing that differences in ethnicity, religion and background should not undermine the unity of the country.
