The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mohammed Muftau Gbadamosi, and some members of Ijehu community in Offa are quarrelling over land. Many indigenes on Tuesday protested in front of the House of Assembly. They accused Oba Gbadamosi of forcefully taking over their farmland bequeathed to them by their forebears.
        The Baale of Ijehu, Moshood Adeogun, said the monarch’s thugs drove them, adding that many were injured in the clash.
Adeogun said about seven hectares of cashew plantation, planted over 40 years ago, among other cash crops, were allegedly destroyed by the thugs.
          Police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi, said about five people had been arrested.
He said those detained included an 85-year-old farmer, Murtala Eso.
But Oba Gbadamosi said the land belonged to his Esuwoye family, saying he inherited the land from his grandfather, Esuwoye 1.
According to him, the Ijehu forbears only took care of the land on their behalf.
The monarch added that the people attacked his men with about 15 armed thugs when they went to clear the land at the weekend.
    He said he gave about 60 acres and to his people to farm and better their lives.
Oba Gbadamosi accused those fomenting trouble of not belonging to the seven compounds, which can claim ownership of the land.
He said he was prepared for amicable resolution should the people embraced peace and atone for their sins.