The Ogun State Government has arraigned the suspended Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Kayode Owolabi, over allegations of land grabbing and related offenses.
Oba Owolabi, a coronet monarch under the Egba Traditional Council in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, is facing multiple charges including conspiracy to sell land without authority, illegal sale of land, unlawful use of agents, forceful takeover of land, assault of a police officer, and obtaining money under false pretence.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice, the monarch is accused of unlawfully claiming ownership of 500 acres of land in Obafemi Owode and fraudulently obtaining ₦75 million from a developer, Dr. Michael Adeyemi, without remitting the funds to the rightful landholding families.
The statement also alleged that Oba Owolabi deployed thugs to the disputed land, leading to the macheting of an individual. It further claimed the monarch personally assaulted a police officer attached to the state’s land grabbing task force.
Efforts by both the Ogun State House of Assembly and the Egba Traditional Council to address the matter amicably were reportedly rebuffed by the traditional ruler. The statement revealed that Oba Owolabi ignored a summons by the State Assembly in July 2024 and filed legal suits, which he later withdrew without complying with legislative investigations. Consequently, the Assembly recommended his prosecution.
Similarly, the Egba Traditional Council, under the leadership of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, summoned Oba Owolabi multiple times and engaged him through its Ethical Committee, but to no avail. As a result, he was suspended on December 13, 2024, for conduct deemed unbecoming of a traditional leader — a suspension that remains in effect.
While Oba Owolabi has reportedly met his bail conditions, the state government affirmed that his trial is ongoing and reiterated its commitment to upholding justice.
