Tension flared in Abeokuta North Local Government on Wednesday as hundreds of aggrieved residents from four communities staged a protest against alleged land-grabbing by a traditional ruler, Oba Phillips Segun Ogunshola, the Coronet King and Orunda of Olorunda.
The communities—Keesan Orile, Ilogun Orile, Tibo, and Olorunda—accused the monarch of encroaching on a communal land earmarked for the development of a local market.
The protesters, wielding placards with messages such as “We always crave development but hate cheating” and “Withdraw the letter of authority given to the Coronet Oba on our land,” converged at the Abeokuta North Local Government Secretariat in Akomoje, demanding immediate government intervention.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration, High Chief Akinbode Abegunrin, the Akogun of Keesan Orile, condemned what he described as a blatant land takeover orchestrated under the guise of development.
“This land belongs to our communities. It was designated for a market project that would benefit all. We will not sit idly by while the Coronet King uses the Local Government’s name to take it over,” he said.
He expressed shock over reports that the monarch had obtained a letter of authority from the Local Government Council permitting him to take possession of the disputed land.
Supporting the claims, youth leader Yemi Abegunrin recounted that following a recent meeting involving the monarch, the LG Vice Chairman Hon. Egbeyemi, and senior local government officials, it was agreed both parties would reconvene to resolve the matter. However, before any further meeting could take place, crops on the land were allegedly destroyed and surveyors working for the monarch began work, citing a supposed authorization letter.
“He claimed the LG gave him approval, but that is not what we were told at the meeting. This is betrayal, and we demand answers,” Yemi stated.
In response to the protest, Secretary to the Local Government, Engr. Mutiat Agbaje, who addressed the crowd on behalf of Chairman Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, urged the communities to remain peaceful.
“You have taken the right approach by protesting peacefully. I assure you your concerns will be taken seriously and communicated to the chairman,” she said.
Importantly, Engr. Agbaje firmly denied that the Local Government had issued any letter of authorization to Oba Ogunshola.
“To the best of our records and processes, no such document has been lawfully issued,” she stated, a position further confirmed by another senior LG officer present during the previous joint meeting.
However, in a twist, a letter dated June 13, 2023, and reportedly signed by the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mrs. Kikelomo M. Ajayi, surfaced, appearing to authorize the “Renovation of Olorunda Market.” The letter, sighted by this reporter, bears the reference number ANLG4/126A and was also copied to law enforcement agencies. Notably, it contains two differing signatures under the same name—raising questions about its authenticity.
As tensions remain high in the affected communities, stakeholders are calling on the Ogun State Government and relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice prevails.
The Coronet King has yet to issue a public statement in response to the allegations and denial by the local government.
0 Comments