The Offa Descendants Union (ODU) has raised the alarm over growing tensions between Offa and neighbouring Ilemona communities in Kwara State, citing alleged intimidation, harassment, land encroachment and threats to the life of an Offa-born lawyer, Nurudeen Temitope Abdulsalam, Esq.
The Union also demanded the immediate release of Mr. Suwara Agindingbadi, where no lawful basis exists for his continued detention, while calling on Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and traditional ruler of Ilemona, to exercise restraint and respect the rights and interests of neighbouring communities.
These positions were contained in a communiqué issued by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of ODU following an emergency meeting held on Friday, November 6, 2026, and signed by the Union’s Global President, Dr. Alhaji Muideen Azeez Olaniyi Salako, and Global Secretary, Otunba Dr. Rauf Abiodun Oladipo, on November 7.
The Union said its intervention followed extensive deliberations on reports and concerns involving the security of Offa residents, the circumstances surrounding the detention of Agindingbadi and disputes over land and property in areas bordering Ilemona.
ODU recalled that Offa and Ilemona had historically maintained cordial relations, sustained by shared cultural heritage, commercial activities, intermarriages, social interactions and peaceful coexistence. However, it expressed concern that relations between the two communities had reportedly deteriorated over the past two years, particularly following the emergence of Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf as Ilemona’s traditional ruler after the death of his father.
Among the issues highlighted by the Union were reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, land encroachment and the deployment of individuals described in reports presented to NEC as militia groups against residents and farmers in communities bordering Ilemona.
The arrest and detention of Agindingbadi also featured prominently in the deliberations, with the Union expressing serious concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident. It called for appropriate legal and administrative intervention and insisted that any allegations against him must be addressed in accordance with due process.
Another major concern raised by ODU concerns a proposed mosque project by Etihad on land reportedly situated within the territorial jurisdiction of Offa Local Government Area.
According to the communiqué, NEC received reports alleging that the perimeter fence around the project was demolished and a borehole damaged following instructions attributed to Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf.
The Union maintained that disputes involving land ownership, community boundaries and legitimate occupancy rights must be resolved through recognised legal, administrative and traditional institutions rather than through intimidation, violence or unilateral action.
It further stressed that no individual should be considered above the law by virtue of military rank, public office, traditional authority or social standing, warning against the use of positions of influence to intimidate citizens or undermine their legitimate rights.
ODU also recalled previous efforts by its national leadership to resolve disagreements between the two communities through dialogue. It disclosed that a high-level delegation led by its Global President, Dr. Alhaji Muideen Azeez Olaniyi Salako, met with Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf at his Abuja residence in June 2025.
The meeting was intended to establish a platform for dialogue, promote mutual understanding and secure a sustainable resolution of the land-related disagreements between Offa and Ilemona. However, the Union stated that the intervention had yet to produce the desired outcome.
Following its latest deliberations, NEC expressed solidarity with Abdulsalam, acknowledging the concerns raised in his petition and describing the issues as matters of significant importance to the Offa community.
The Union unequivocally rejected intimidation, harassment, victimisation and threats to the lawyer’s life or personal safety. It reaffirmed the right of citizens to express their concerns lawfully, submit petitions and seek justice through established legal channels.
ODU consequently called on Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf to exercise restraint and refrain from any direct or indirect action capable of constituting intimidation, harassment, threats or encroachment upon the legitimate rights and interests of Offa residents.
On the detention of Agindingbadi, the Union demanded his immediate release if there was no lawful basis for his continued detention. It also insisted that his fundamental rights be respected and that any allegations against him be handled strictly in accordance with due process.
The NEC further resolved to mobilise ODU branches in Ilorin and Abuja to demonstrate peaceful solidarity with Abdulsalam whenever he appears in court in connection with the matter.
Beyond the immediate dispute, the Union said it was prepared to intensify public advocacy through lawful and peaceful means, including public sensitisation, engagement with relevant authorities and peaceful demonstrations, if necessary, to draw national attention to the concerns of the Offa community.
It urged all parties involved in the dispute to respect recognised territorial boundaries, legitimate land ownership and occupancy rights, as well as the authority of relevant institutions to determine contested issues.
The Union also called on relevant government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders to intervene urgently and constructively to prevent further deterioration of relations between Offa and Ilemona and avert a possible breakdown of law and order.
Despite the concerns raised, ODU reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the historical, cultural and socioeconomic ties between the two communities, stressing that peaceful coexistence must be founded on justice, mutual respect, restraint and recognition of the legitimate rights of neighbouring populations.
The Union said it would continue to pursue every lawful and peaceful avenue to protect the interests, rights, security and dignity of the Offa community.
The communiqué ended with prayers for Offa, Kwara State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It was signed by Dr. Alhaji Muideen Azeez Olaniyi Salako, Global President, and Otunba Dr. Rauf Abiodun Oladipo, Global Secretary, on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the Offa Descendants Union.