Satguru Maharaj Ji Calls For Government Intervention Over Land Dispute, Urges Peace Ahead 2027 Elections
Satguru Maharaj Ji, the Living Perfect Master, has appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intervene in what he described as a growing dispute over some portions of land in his possession in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at a press conference, Maharaj Ji said his appeal was in furtherance of his long-standing advocacy for peace in Nigeria, recalling his “No War In Nigeria Come What May” proclamation made on August 16, 1993, on OGTV, Abeokuta, during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
He said Nigeria had passed through several political and social challenges over the years, expressing the belief that the country would continue to overcome its difficulties through peaceful means. He also referred to President Bola Tinubu’s appeals to Nigerians to remain calm and go about their normal activities while the government implements its programmes.
However, Maharaj Ji alleged that part of the land acquired from the Aladorin family for the establishment of the Centre for Conflict Resolution had recently come under what he described as an attempt by land grabbers to take possession of the property.
He said the matter was reported to the Oyo State Government and taken before the state’s Anti-Land Grabbers Commission, where, according to him, the Aladorin family was able to challenge the claims made by those allegedly seeking control of the property.
Maharaj Ji further alleged that the disputed portion, which he said had been used as an agricultural settlement and regarded as a “no-go area” for activities other than farming, was illegally sold to a church led by an Ibadan-based pastor whom he identified as Pastor David.
According to him, security personnel were allegedly deployed during an attempt to take possession of the area, resulting in what he described as the assault of some members of his community. He also alleged that the pastor participated in the incident while dressed in military-style clothing.
Maharaj Ji said the dispute had subsequently gone to court and that an appeal was awaiting hearing. He also alleged that the chairman of Oluyole Local Government had been interfering in some of the lands, adding that the development had heightened his concerns about the situation.
The spiritual leader further alleged that Pastor David had made threatening statements against him, including an alleged claim that he was the “TB Joshua of Ibadan incarnate” and had come to eliminate the Living Perfect Master.
He also alleged that a video purportedly showing how he would be killed had been displayed in the pastor’s church. Maharaj Ji said the alleged threat was particularly disturbing because of an upcoming crusade which, according to him, was scheduled to run from September 17 until the end of the month.
Maharaj Ji expressed concern over the reported use of “Wetie” as the theme of the programme, recalling the historical association of the term with political violence during the crisis in Western Nigeria in the 1960s.
As someone who said he witnessed the “Wetie” period, Maharaj Ji questioned the appropriateness of using the expression at a time when Nigeria was approaching another general election cycle in 2027.
“I am a strong advocate of peaceful existence and the initiator of ‘No War In Nigeria’. At this hour, when the country is experiencing kidnappers, land grabbers, bandits and political pressures, I do not want anything that will threaten the peace of the people around my community or Ibadanland,” he said.
He appealed to the government and security agencies to pay close attention to the situation and take all necessary lawful measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Maharaj Ji also called for stronger legislation against land grabbing, suggesting that land grabbers and their alleged agents should face tougher legal consequences.
He raised further concerns about what he described as alleged criminal and social activities around the disputed area, including suspected drug use, and urged the appropriate authorities to investigate the claims.
The spiritual leader said he remained committed to peace and peaceful coexistence, adding that his concern was to ensure that nothing was done to destabilise his community or Ibadanland.
He therefore appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers and members of the public to support peaceful efforts to resolve the dispute.
Maharaj Ji said he believed the matter could be resolved without violence, stressing that “the truth would prevail very soon” and expressing hope that all parties would pursue a peaceful resolution.
He concluded his address by calling for unity, peace and brotherhood among Nigerians, while reaffirming his commitment to his “No War In Nigeria Come What May” message.
Long Live The Government of Oyo State, Long Live, The Federal Republic of Nigeria.
My love and blessings.
SATGURU MAHARAJ JI
LIVING PERFECT MASTER