Emmanuel Oludare
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Ogun Chapter, and the Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society (HRGDS) have expressed their support for the Ogun State House of Assembly’s recent resolution directing the immediate suspension of Oba Taofeek Owolabi, the Olu of Obafe, following persistent allegations of land grabbing and intimidation of residents in his domain.
In a joint statement, Comrade Onifade Funmilayo, State Chairman of CDHR, and Comrade Alli Adesina, State Secretary of CDHR, praised the Assembly for its decisive action against the embattled monarch, who has long been accused of terrorising landowners within his jurisdiction.
The groups highlighted that the monarch’s alleged misuse of power had included unlawful use of the Nigeria Police Force to harass and detain landowners, often resulting in the illegal seizure of their properties.
The statement recalled that as far back as 2017, CDHR Ogun had received numerous complaints from victims of the monarch’s alleged land-grabbing activities.
In response, CDHR and HRGDS said they organised a critical stakeholders’ forum at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abeokuta, where they documented several human rights violations linked to Oba Owolabi.
According to the groups, the rights violations included threats to lives and the use of force to subdue property owners.
“A subsequent protest led by CDHR to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba (Dr.) Aremu Gbadebo, aimed to draw attention to the monarch’s actions.
However, Oba Owolabi reportedly dismissed the allegations, boasting of his connections and immunity from consequences.
Despite initial efforts by CDHR and HRGDS to seek redress, the groups lamented that political interference had seemingly shielded the monarch from accountability, allowing him to resume his activities unchecked.
However, the recent suspension by the Ogun Assembly is seen as a significant step forward in the fight against land grabbing in the state.
“We applaud the tenacity and uncompromising stance of the House of Assembly in its fight against land grabbing in Ogun State.
“ This resolution reaffirms the principle that no one is above the law,” the statement read.
CDHR and HRGDS also reiterated their call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Oba Owolabi, emphasising that such a move would serve as a deterrent to others involved in land-grabbing activities.
The groups urged the Ogun State Government to promptly enforce the Assembly’s resolution, thereby demonstrating its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring peace and security within the state.
The organisations also noted their ongoing efforts to educate traditional rulers and the people of Ogun State on the importance of adhering to the state’s anti-land-grabbing laws, which were enacted with the support of both CDHR and HRGDS.
“We stand ready to continue our partnership with the House of Assembly in the fight against oppression and repression in Ogun State,” the statement concluded.
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