Residents of Abule Ajilete in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State have called on Governor Dapo Abiodun and the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, to intervene in saving their ancestral lands from alleged land grabbers.
The villagers made this appeal at the Ogun State Council Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abeokuta, revealing a months-long ordeal that has reportedly left their community terrorized.
According to Chief Arogundade Lateef Adisa, the Baale of Ajilete, two individuals, identified as Idowu Odeyemi and Kehinde Oloyede Odeyemi, have led armed groups to forcefully evict villagers, destroy farmlands, and desecrate properties in the community.
The Baale described how hoodlums allegedly beat villagers, damaged economic trees, and razed foundations of homes and farms in their bid to take over the area.
“The land in question, which is the ancestral home of the Ajilete people, has been in our community’s possession for over a century, bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
Despite failing in court to claim ownership, these individuals have now resorted to force, and for the past three months, they have terrorized our village,” Chief Adisa stated.
The Baale further alleged that the assailants have deployed bulldozers to clear large portions of the village, selling the land to various real estate companies, including Landnest Home and Property (owners of Golden Acres), Mojoyin Royal Estate, and Garaboj Estate.
He warned that the developers had slated allocations for prospective buyers on Saturday, November 9, urging urgent government intervention to prevent a potential confrontation.
“If urgent steps are not taken, our youths and residents may resist these illegal takeovers, which could lead to loss of lives and extensive property damage,” Adisa warned, adding that the threat of violent clashes grows as frustration mounts among the villagers.
Highlighting the escalation, Chief Adisa disclosed that the community has filed a lawsuit at the State High Court in Abeokuta to challenge the land grab.
He urged Governor Abiodun, Commissioner Alamutu, and other stakeholders to intervene swiftly, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution and protection of Ajilete’s ancestral heritage.
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