By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
COURT PROCEEDINGS have begun against the suspended Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Kayode Owolabi, as the Ogun State Government moves forward with a series of charges linked to land grabbing and criminal misconduct.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday, Oba Owolabi, a member of the Egba Traditional Council, faces multiple accusations including conspiracy to sell land without authority, unlawful land sales, unauthorised use of agents, forceful land occupation, assault on a police officer, and obtaining by false pretense.
The charges stem from allegations that the monarch unlawfully claimed ownership of 500 acres in Obafemi Owode town. It is further alleged that he fraudulently received ₦75 million from a developer, Dr Michael Adeyemi, under the pretense of legitimate land ownership.
The statement detailed how Oba Owolabi allegedly deployed thugs to the disputed site, leading to a machete attack on one individual, while he himself reportedly assaulted a police officer from the state’s anti-land grabbing task force.
The Ministry of Justice noted that attempts to resolve the dispute through lawful and traditional means were disregarded.
Efforts included a summons issued by the Ogun State House of Assembly in July 2024, which Oba Owolabi ignored.
Instead, he initiated two separate lawsuits against the state, both of which were successfully defended by the Ministry.
Although the monarch later withdrew the lawsuits, he continued to refuse participation in legislative investigations, prompting a recommendation for his prosecution.
Similarly, the Egba Traditional Council, led by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, summoned the suspended monarch on several occasions.
Oba Owolabi failed to appear before either the council or its Ethical Committee.
His consistent noncompliance led to his suspension on 13 December 2024 for conduct deemed unbecoming of a traditional ruler—a suspension that remains active.
Despite meeting bail conditions, Oba Owolabi’s trial is ongoing, as the state pursues justice through the courts.
The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its position on the matter, declaring its steadfast commitment to protecting landowners and investors across the state.
“We want to assure the public of our unwavering dedication to restoring order and transparency in land administration.
No individual—regardless of status—will be allowed to violate land rights or undermine lawful authority,” the statement concluded.
