- Monarch Arraigned: The Olu of Obafemi in Ogun State, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, has been arraigned for land grabbing.
- Alleged Offenses: Oba Owolabi is accused of conspiracy, sale of property without authority, unlawful use of agents, forceful takeover of land, assault of a police officer, and obtaining by false pretence.
- Land Dispute: The monarch allegedly laid claim to 500 acres of land in Obafemi Owode town and deceived a developer into paying him N75 million.
- Suspension: Oba Owolabi is currently under suspension by the Egba Traditional Council for conducting himself in a manner unbecoming of a traditional ruler.
The Ogun State Government took several steps to call Oba Owolabi to order, including a summons by the state House of Assembly in July 2024. However, the monarch ignored the summons and instead filed two suits in court, which were later withdrawn. The Egba Traditional Council also summoned Oba Owolabi several times, but he defied the invitations. The council eventually suspended him from office on December 13, 2024.
The Ogun State Government remains committed to seeing justice done and assures the public that it will resist all land grabbers, no matter how highly placed. Oba Owolabi has perfected his bail conditions, and his trial is ongoing. The government’s efforts aim to restore sanity to land administration in Ogun State.
