Oba Taofeek Kayode Owolabi

The Ogun State Government has arraigned the suspended monarch of Obafemi in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, over alleged land grabbing and related offences. The coronet Oba, also a member of the Egba Traditional Council, was brought before the court on Tuesday on multiple charges, including conspiracy to sell property without authority, unlawful land sales, using unauthorised agents, forceful land takeover, assaulting a police officer, and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Justice, Oba Owolabi allegedly laid claim to 500 acres of land within Obafemi Owode and fraudulently collected ₦75 million from a developer, Dr Michael Adeyemi, without remitting the funds to the original landowners. The monarch is also accused of deploying thugs to intimidate and assault individuals on the land, with one person macheted and a police officer attacked during enforcement action.

The government disclosed that several attempts to caution Oba Owolabi were ignored. He reportedly defied a July 2024 summons from the State House of Assembly and instead filed two court cases, which he later withdrew without complying with legislative investigations. The Assembly later recommended his prosecution.

Similarly, the Egba Traditional Council, led by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, reportedly made multiple unsuccessful efforts to discipline him. Consequently, Oba Owolabi was suspended in December 2024 for conduct deemed unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

Though the monarch has since met his bail conditions, the Ogun State Government emphasised that his trial continues, vowing to hold all land grabbers accountable, regardless of status.