Alleged Land Grabbing Monarch Suspended, Dragged to Court by Ogun Government

Ogun State Government has arraigned the suspended Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, over multiple allegations of land grabbing, fraudulent land sales, and assault, in what authorities describe as a crackdown on unlawful land activities in the state.

The monarch, who was brought before the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta, is facing a five-count charge including conspiracy to sell property without authority, obtaining property under false pretenses, unlawful use of agents, forceful land takeover, and assault on a police officer.

According to the state’s Ministry of Justice, Oba Owolabi allegedly took control of approximately 500 acres of land in the Obafemi/Owode area and deceived a property developer, Dr. Michael Adeyemi, into paying ₦75 million for the land.

The money, the state claims, was never forwarded to the rightful landowners.

The monarch is also accused of employing thugs to enforce his claim on the disputed land, leading to the assault of a community member. He allegedly also physically attacked a member of the state’s anti-land grabbing task force during the enforcement of a government directive.

Oba Owolabi had earlier ignored several summons from the Ogun State House of Assembly and the Egba Traditional Council, prompting his suspension in December 2024. The State Government has since emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward land grabbing and pledged to see the case through.

The traditional ruler has been granted bail after meeting court-imposed conditions. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing, with the prosecution expressing confidence in securing justice for the affected landowners.

Authorities have urged residents and traditional institutions to support the government’s efforts in combating land-related crimes, reaffirming that no individual, regardless of title or status, is above the law.