The Ogun State Government has filed multiple charges against two traditional rulers and other individuals for alleged involvement in land grabbing, illegal sales, and forcible entry into properties across the state.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, stressing that the move underscores the state’s resolve to stamp out land racketeering, regardless of the status of those involved.
One of the monarchs, Oba Fatai Matanmi, the Onijoko of Ijoko-Ota, is facing charges of forceful takeover and harassment in suit number HCT/84R/2025.
Investigations revealed that the monarch had sold a parcel of land as far back as 1976 to the late Madam Irokosu for ₦22,000. The land was later fenced and sold by her to a complainant in 2016.
Despite this, the government alleged that Oba Matanmi began harassing the complainant after Madam Irokosu’s death, insisting she owed him ₦28,000 as balance on the original purchase.
The monarch reportedly collected ₦5 million from the complainant “to let peace reign” but allegedly continued the harassment, prompting the state’s intervention.
Similarly, Oba Yusuf Olasunkanmi, the Olu of Orile-Igbon in Igbesa, has been charged for allegedly using intermediaries to unlawfully seize land under the guise of enforcing a judgment obtained against third parties.
According to the government, the monarch extended the enforcement to lands more than a kilometre away from the actual judgment area, displacing legitimate occupants. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
The government also accused two chiefs — Lekan Agbogun and Akinbowale Beckley — of fraudulently selling a complainant’s property in the Mosafejo area of Abeokuta to a foreign buyer without title documents, despite the complainant’s existing building on the land.
Ogungbade said the state would continue to resist and prosecute land grabbing in the public interest.
“While these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the state has filed these charges as a further demonstration of its commitment to tackle land grabbing and criminal dealings regarding land,” he said.
“No matter the personalities involved, where facts warrant, the state will resist and redress all land grabbing actions brought to its notice.”
The development comes amid rising concerns over land-related disputes in Ogun State, which has in recent years witnessed a surge in cases of illegal acquisition and encroachment.
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