OGUN MONARCH ARRAIGNED OVER LAND GRABBING ALLEGATIONS
Written by News Desk on April 24, 2025
The Ogun State Government has arraigned the Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Kayode Owolabi, on charges bordering on land grabbing. The monarch, a coronet Oba and member of the Egba Traditional Council, is currently under suspension.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Justice, Oba Owolabi faces several charges, including conspiracy, unauthorized property sales, unlawful use of agents, forceful takeover of land, assault on a police officer, and obtaining by false pretence.
The charges stem from allegations that the royal father laid claim to 500 acres of land in Obafemi Owode town and allegedly deceived a developer, Dr. Michael Adeyemi, into paying N75 million for the land. It is further alleged that Oba Owolabi failed to remit proceeds to landholding families and instead deployed thugs to the land, resulting in violence and assault on a police officer.
The state government had previously attempted to address the monarch’s actions, but he allegedly ignored summons from the State House of Assembly and the Egba Traditional Council. The Ministry of Justice has assured its commitment to restoring sanity to land administration in Ogun State and prosecuting the monarch, urging citizens to have confidence in their efforts.
