Ogun Govt' Stand Against Land Grabbing, The Best Move To Stop Theft - Says APC Chieftain Alhaji Ismail Adebayo Yisa OMOADE

 

Traditional Rulers and Accomplices Charged in Landmark Case to Combat Land Theft

In a bold move to curb the worrying trend of land grabbing in Ogun State, the government, under the leadership of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, has filed charges against two traditional rulers and several others for their involvement in unlawful land acquisition practices. This decisive action, lauded by All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Alhaji Ismail Adebayo Yisa, popularly known as OMO-ADE, marks a significant step towards restoring integrity in land ownership in the state.

The announcement was made by Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ogun State, who revealed that charges have been brought against Oba Fatai Matanmi, the Onijoko of Ijoko Ota, and Oba Yusuf Olasunkanmi, the Olu of Orile-Igbon, alongside two other individuals accused of illegal land dealings.

Oba Fatai Matanmi faces allegations stemming from a land dispute dating back to 1976, when he reportedly sold a parcel of land to the late Madam Irokosu for 22,000 naira. After Madam Irokosu's death, the land was sold in 2016 to a new owner, who claims to have faced ongoing harassment from Oba Matanmi, who demanded further payment of 28,000 naira—allegedly a baseless claim. After paying 5 million naira to Oba Matanmi in a bid to avoid conflict, the complainant continued to face intimidation, prompting the state to take legal action against the Oba in case number HCT/84R/2025.

Similarly, Oba Yusuf Olasunkanmi stands accused of forcefully annexing land that legally belongs to others. Misusing a court judgment obtained regarding third parties, he allegedly facilitated the wrongful appropriation of land over a kilometer away from the original judgment site, leading to the eviction of rightful occupants.

The charges don’t stop with the traditional rulers; Chief Lekan Agbogun and Chief Akinbowale Beckley are also implicated for selling a complainant’s property in the Mosafejo area of Abeokuta without proper authority or documentation. Their scheme involved deceitfully selling land that belonged to a third party while ignoring the existing structures on the property.

Attorney-General Ogungbade emphasized the government’s resolve to combat land grabbing, asserting, "While these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the State has filed these charges as a further demonstration of our commitment to tackle land grabbing and criminal dealings regarding land."

This crackdown on land grabbing is seen as a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of landowners and ensuring that justice prevails, regardless of social standing. Ogungbade assured the public that the government will continue to resist and address any land-grabbing actions brought to their attention.

As the state gears up for the arraignment of Oba Olasunkanmi and the others on September 25, 2025, the residents of Ogun State are hopeful that such actions will deter future attempts at land theft and restore confidence in the integrity of land transactions throughout the region.

The Ogun State Government’s decisive action against these unsavory practices serves as a clarion call for justice, reinforcing that no one, regardless of title or position, is above the law in matters of unlawful land appropriation.