* General Alani Akinrinade (rtd)
By Pathfinder Reporter
Tuesday April 1, 2025
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The Yakooyo Progressive Union (YPU), an association of the Yakooyo town, an agrarian community in Osun State, has dismissed the allegations of land grabbing preferred against General Alani Akinrinade (rtd) as spurious and unfounded and a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of the one-time war hero.
General Akinrinade was a one-time Chief of Army Staff.
The community has urged the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke to intervene to prevent escalation of tensions.
The controversy erupted after reports from Sahara Reporters accused General Akinrinade of deploying military personnel to intimidate residents in Moro and seize public property.
In response, Comrade Wale Oyebowale, President of the YPU, and Chief Olarewaju Folusho, Secretary, condemned the reports, describing it as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of a respected civil war hero.
“We find it completely unacceptable for a media platform to engage in biased reporting that erodes public trust,” said Oyebowale.
“Responsible journalism should involve fact-checking and presenting diverse viewpoints to ensure a well-informed public.”
The union referenced a 2016 High Court ruling that affirmed the Yakooyo community’s ownership of the disputed land, stating that the plaintiffs from the Moro community failed to establish their claims adequately.
The court noted the lack of sufficient evidence regarding the location and identity of the land in question, ultimately dismissing the case as without merit.
General Akinrinade, when contacted, also rejected the allegations, emphasizing his longstanding ties to the Yakooyo community and his lack of interest in appropriating public land.
He clarified that the initiative to build a multipurpose hall in honor of his father originated from the Moro king, and he had no resources to fund such a project.
“The king approached me with the idea, and I told him he could proceed if there were resources available. I have no intention of seizing any land,” Akinrinade stated.
The YPU has urged the public to disregard the unfounded allegations and maintain peace, emphasizing that there is no communal crisis between Yakooyo and Moro.
They also called on relevant authorities, including the Inspector General of Police and the State Security Services, to ensure the safety of the Yakooyo people and prevent any actions that could lead to communal strife.
“We appeal to all stakeholders, under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, to address this matter urgently and seek a peaceful resolution,” the union concluded.
The YPU remains committed to fostering unity and cooperation between the communities, urging residents to focus on development rather than conflict.
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