By Tolulope Olurotimi
The Concerned Mopa Senior Citizens, Kogi State (CMSC), has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a cabal’s attempt to take over Mopa lands and natural resources. The group alleges that Chief Muyiwa Ibeun, who is embroiled in a chieftaincy tussle, is at the center of the cabal and is using his influence to register a mining company, Mopa Mining Company Limited, to exploit the community’s resources.
The Concerned Mopa Senior Citizens (CMSC) in a passionate call to action issued a warning to locals about increasing tensions surrounding the Elulu Chieftaincy tussle, asserting that a small group, led by Chief Muyiwa Ibeun, is allegedly scheming to seize control of Mopa’s natural resources and manipulate its governance structure for personal gain.
The CMSC, representing the diverse clans of Mopa, emphasizes the community’s historical tradition of consensus-based decision-making—where individual participation is vital and decisions are made collectively—contrasting sharply with the current power struggles that seem to threaten this fabric
According to the CMSC, the company’s registration, which was done in secrecy, has raised suspicions about the true intentions of Chief Muyiwa Ibeun and the other directors, who are mostly Obas in Mopa. The group claims that the company’s objectives and missions are unclear, and the allocation of shares to the Obas seems to be a deliberate design to enlist their support.
The central figure in the controversy, Chief Muyiwa Ibeun, is accused of taking drastic measures to secure the Elulu title through questionable financial maneuvers and alleged corrupt practices. Reports indicate Ibeun may be spending millions to gain a position that traditionally entails a modest salary, prompting locals to further question his intentions. “Why would he invest so heavily in a title that was once freely given to past leaders?” the statement queries.
“We fear that this obsession with power is tied to a greater plot aimed at appropriating our mineral resources,” the CMSC warns, detailing deep concerns over suspected cabal formation within prominent local leaders and the rising influence of Ibeun. Allegations include the establishment of the Mopa Mining Company, which is reportedly being used as a vehicle for Ibeun and his allies to monopolize mining rights and control local lands.
The CMSC has raised several questions about the company, including its missions and objectives, the secrecy surrounding its registration, and the authority of Chief Muyiwa Ibeun to register a company in the name of Mopa. The group warns that if the cabal is allowed to take root, it will superintend over Mopa’s collective wealth for selfish purposes, oppressing and suppressing the majority of Mopa people.
The group’s attention also highlights the manipulation of recent chieftaincy appointments, suggesting some traditional rulers may be receiving financial incentives to align with Ibeun, further cementing the notion of a cabal. Additionally, the CMSC noted that while some Obas support Ibeun, one notable leader, HRH Oba Ekundayo Ajolore, has remained excluded from the newly founded mining ventures, raising suspicions of politically motivated retaliation.
Residents are eager for transparency, as after the registration of the Mopa Mining Company, several questions remain unanswered regarding its missions, governance, and ownership structures. “It appears that many of our traditional rulers are becoming stakeholders in this mining operation, raising ethical concerns about their commitments to the community versus personal profit,” CMSC spokespeople stated.
As the Mopa community gathers to discuss these developments, the CMSC emphasizes the importance of vigilance and grassroots mobilization. They call upon local landowners and indigenes to resist any attempts at land appropriation and prioritize the preservation of Mopa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
“We must not allow our community wealth to be exploited by a few individuals at the expense of the majority. It is time for all Mopa citizens to stand together to protect our future,” the group urged, echoing an understanding of the long-standing values instilled by their ancestors.
However, the senior citizens are calling on all Mopa people to condemn the greedy trend of the cabal and resist their attempts to turn Mopa’s collective wealth into an ATM for personal gain. They urge landowners in Mopa to be vigilant and warn that they will continue to keep the community updated as events unfold.
In full commitment to the public awareness, the Concerned Mopa Senior Citizens vowed to continue updating the community on recent events and developments regarding the ongoing tussle for Elulu chieftaincy and the alleged land grab schemes, urging unity and vigilance amongst all residents of Mopa.
