… Village Heads Beg for Abiodun’s Intervention
Awe Ayomide
A businessman and CEO of Young Agro’s Homes and Properties Limited, Mr. Ajibola Johnson, popularly known as “The Young,” has raised the alarm over alleged threats to his life and accusations of land grabbing leveled against Hon. Adekunle Ajayi Lateef, a councilor representing Obafemi Owode Ward 3 in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government area of Ogun State.
Johnson, accused the councilor of illegally encroaching on a property he legally acquired in the Imo-Emulu, Olohunsogo and Eredo villages in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state .
Speaking to journalists, Johnson narrated how he legally acquired the disputed land, adding that the community leaders and relevant authorities, including the Olu of Owode, Oba Kolawole Showemimo, and the Owode Area Commander, were aware of his ownership.
He said apart from his lands being encroached his life has been under threats, urging the stakeholders in the state to help him.
“We went to the Owode Area Command, where the Area Commander called all parties, including the Olu of Owode, and resolved the issue peacefully. Hon. Lateef admitted he wasn’t the owner of the land and agreed to vacate. However, the next day, he brought thugs and began construction,” Johnson said.
Johnson further alleged that Hon. Lateef has resorted to using police officers from Abuja to intimidate him and forcefully claim the land.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that a Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by the village head in Imo-Emulu revealed that some portions of land were sold to Johnson.
Lamenting, Johnson said “despite the written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by village heads confirming my ownership, he insists on encroaching on my property. I urge the Ogun State Government to intervene before this escalates.”
… Village Heads Support Johnson
Prominent community leaders in the area, including the Baale of Olorunsogo, Chief Jamiu Osho,the Olu Abisodun, Oba Oluseye Adefolu
and the Baale of Imo-Emulu, Chief Mujaidu Balogun, confirmed that Johnson purchased the land from their families and fulfilled all necessary obligations, including providing infrastructure like boreholes and generators for the community.
“We sold the land to Mr. Johnson, and he has been very supportive of our village. He provided us with water and other amenities. Hon. Lateef has no claim to this land.
“We call on Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene before this matter disrupts the peace in our community,” said Baale Osho.
Similarly, Baale Imo-Emulu stated, “Johnson’s contribution to the community has been significant. We are aware he owns the land, and any claims to the contrary are baseless. We want the government to help resolve this matter.”
Oba Adefolu, in his reaction, expressed dismay at the councilor’s actions.
He said “I’ve known Johnson as a credible property agent. It’s shocking to see Honourable Lateef encroaching on his land. Mr. Johnson is not his only victim,” he said.
PLATFORM TIMES further reports that the dispute has heightened tensions in the community, with residents divided over ownership claims.
An intermediary between Johnson and some landowners, Mr. Kashi Osho, revealed discrepancies in the payment agreements, stating that Johnson had yet to complete payments for a particular land.
“Initially, the price was N1.5 million per acre, but it later increased to N2 million per acre due to delays. Johnson paid in installments but hasn’t fully settled the amount. This has complicated the matter,” Kashi who spoke on Yoruba explained.
The Olu of Abisodun, who also transacts land deals in the area, expressed concern over the dispute.
“Johnson is my customer, and I have done business with him in the past without issues. This matter requires urgent government intervention to prevent further escalation,” he said.
Community leaders and stakeholders said they are pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to mediate the dispute and ensure justice prevails.
Meanwhile, several attempts to speak to the councilor failed as he promised to call back when PLATFORM TIMES reached out to him.
The reporter waited for Lateef for four days to get his reaction, all to no avail.
He had yet to speak on the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
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