Satguru Maharaj Ji, founder of the One Love Family, has appealed to the Federal and Oyo State Governments as well as security agencies to intervene in an alleged land dispute and threats to his life, warning that the situation could undermine peace in Ibadan.
Maharaj Ji made the appeal during a press conference in Ibadan while recalling his 1993 declaration of “No War in Nigeria, Come What May,” which he said was made on OGTV, Abeokuta, during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
He said his renewed call for peace was particularly important as Nigeria approaches another general election cycle in 2027, noting that the country had experienced several periods of political and communal tension.
The spiritual leader alleged that a portion of land belonging to the Maharaj Ji Village along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway had been taken over by people he described as land grabbers.
He claimed that the land, which he said was acquired from the Alaadorin family, was intended for the establishment of a centre for conflict resolution and had subsequently become the subject of litigation.
The land ownership dispute has previously been the subject of court proceedings. In May 2025, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan admitted documents tendered in support of Maharaj Ji’s claim to ownership of disputed land at Aladorin Village. Reports on the proceedings said a 2004 Customary Court judgment had found that the Alaadorin family owned the land before selling it to Maharaj Ji.
Maharaj Ji, however, alleged that the latest dispute had involved the use of security personnel and violence against members of his community. He also alleged that a pastor, whom he identified as Pastor David, had made statements threatening him and claimed that videos shown in a church contained threats against his life.
The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Maharaj Ji expressed particular concern over what he described as a forthcoming “Wetie Crusade”, reportedly scheduled to run from September 17 to the end of the month. He said the use of the term “Wetie” was troubling because of its historical association with the political violence that characterised the Western Region crisis of the 1960s.
“I am duly concerned over the choice of Wetie, which is historically associated with a period of political violence and unrest in Nigeria,” he said, urging authorities to ensure that nothing was allowed to threaten the peace of Ibadan and its surrounding communities.
He further called for stronger legislation against land grabbing, arguing that individuals who use violence or criminal methods to take possession of land should face severe sanctions.
The One Love Family leader said he had consistently advocated peaceful coexistence and had provided assistance to motorists and residents in need over the years, stressing that he did not want the dispute to result in violence.
He appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies and traditional institutions to intervene within the framework of the law and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“I am a law-abiding citizen and believer in peace,” he said, adding that the truth would eventually prevail and that he expected all parties to resolve the matter peacefully.
Maharaj Ji also urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to intensify prayers for peace, saying his primary concern was to ensure that Ibadan remained safe and secure.
He ended the address with a reference to the national anthem’s message of unity, declaring: “Even though we differ in tongue, in brotherhood we stand.”
The Maharaj Ji Village, located along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, has been documented in academic research as the base of the One Love Family and a site associated with spiritual activities and longstanding questions surrounding land management.
