Oba-Ifelodun Village, situated in the heart of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, is reeling from the distressing intrusion of alleged land grabbers.
Chief Semiu Kushimo Egungbohun, the respected Baale of the village, has come forward to voice his concerns over his safety as these suspected land grabbers encroach upon the community.
Despite the robust measures set forth by the Ogun State Government through its anti-land grabbers legislation, the village has found itself besieged by this menacing predicament.
Chief Egungbohun’s plea for protection echoes with urgency, as he recounts the harrowing ordeal inflicted upon him by these suspected land grabbers.
The distressing incident transpired on August 1, 2023, when they brazenly stormed his residence in the Workers Estate of Laderin, Abeokuta.
The attack was directly linked to the disputed 16 acres of land at Ologiri village, embroiled in contention between the Ogunsakin Efundiya family, represented by Taofeek Adeoye, and the Sowunmi family, represented by Kamoru Sobiye.
In a press conference held on Sunday, Chief Egungbohun articulated his fears for the well-being of the villagers and the apprehensions that have arisen due to the potential threats posed by these land grabbers.
He expressed concern that this unsettling atmosphere has deterred residents from pursuing property development, fearing they too might fall prey to these opportunistic assailants.
Chief Egungbohun, who bravely recounted his ordeal while recuperating at the State Hospital in Sokenu, Ijaye, Abeokuta, went on to accuse Taofeek Adeoye of being the mastermind behind the aggression.
The Baale disclosed that the attack occurred in the presence of a police officer identified as Terry Mark, who subsequently presented Chief Egungbohun with a warrant letter for interrogation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Following his detainment at the Kemta Police Station, Chief Egungbohun was eventually released on bail, thanks to the intervention of the Executive Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government and the Secretary to the Local Government, who facilitated his medical treatment.
The confrontation traces its roots to Chief Egungbohun’s efforts to mediate between the two feuding families, advocating for an amicable resolution outside of the courtroom.
However, his involvement appeared to ruffle the feathers of Taofeek Adeoye, who accused the Baale of taking sides against his family.
Taofeek Adeoye had previously initiated legal proceedings on March 13, 2023, on behalf of his family.
They sought to wrest control over the disputed land, an endeavor that eventually found its way to an Abeokuta High Court.
This legal challenge ultimately failed, as the court ruled on July 14, 2023, that the attempt to transfer the matter from a Grade One Customary Court in Owode to a higher court was inappropriate and an abuse of the legal process.
The stability and harmony that the community had enjoyed under Chief Egungbohun’s leadership since his installation as Baale on May 9, 2021, now hang precariously in the balance.
The influx of Taofeek Adeoye’s family members from Ibafo, who claim ownership of land across the entire village, threatens the peace and security that once defined the village.
Chief Egungbohun urgently appeals to the State House of Assembly, particularly the Land and Housing Committee chaired by Hon. Damilola Soneye, alongside relevant state agencies and security bodies, to intercede on behalf of the beleaguered community.
The plight of property owners within the village is now at a critical juncture, their ability to develop their land hampered by the looming shadow of violence orchestrated by these land grabbers
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