While Oba Owolabi has met his bail conditions, his trial continues
Olu of Obafemi, Oba Owolabi Arraigned Over Land Grabbing Allegations
The Ogun State Government has arraigned Oba Taofeek Kayode Owolabi, the Olu of Obafemi in Obafemi Owode Local Government, for alleged land grabbing.
The suspended coronet Oba and member of the Egba Traditional Council faced charges on Tuesday, as announced in a Wednesday statement by the Ministry of Justice.
Oba Owolabi is accused of conspiracy, unauthorized property sales, unlawful use of agents, forceful land takeover, assaulting a police officer, and obtaining money by false pretenses.
The government alleges he illegally claimed 500 acres in Obafemi Owode, deceiving developer Dr. Michael Adeyemi into paying ₦75 million for the land. The funds were reportedly not remitted to the landholding families. Additionally, Oba Owolabi is accused of deploying thugs who attacked an individual with machetes and personally assaulting a police officer from the state’s anti-land grabbing task force.
Efforts to resolve the issue prior to prosecution were unsuccessful. Oba Owolabi ignored a July 2024 summons by the State House of Assembly, filed and later withdrew two lawsuits, and defied investigations. The House Committee recommended his prosecution for land grabbing.
The Egba Traditional Council, led by the Alake of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun A. Gbadebo, also summoned him multiple times without success. On December 13, 2024, the Council suspended him for conduct unbecoming of a traditional ruler, a suspension that remains in effect.
While Oba Owolabi has met his bail conditions, his trial continues. The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to justice and curbing land grabbing.
“We will resist all land grabbers, regardless of their status, to restore sanity to land administration,” the statement affirmed, urging public confidence in the process. Read More
