Residents of Okenla community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Abeokuta, calling on the state government and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, to intervene in an alleged land grabbing dispute threatening their homes and livelihoods.
The aggrieved residents, who converged on the Alake’s palace with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Protect land owners,” “Let peace reign in Okenla,” and “Save our homes,” accused a private individual, Mutairu Owoeye, of unlawfully laying claim to landed properties in the community.
They alleged that the claim, said to be backed by a court judgment, had resulted in the demolition of buildings, displacement of families, and persistent intimidation of residents.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Adesina Olawale said many homeowners were unaware of any court proceedings affecting their properties until demolition notices were allegedly pasted on their buildings.
Olawale maintained that the affected residents were neither joined as parties to the suit nor served any legal processes, describing the development as a violation of their rights.
“We bought our lands from recognised vendors and possess valid documents. If there is a dispute within the landowning family, it should be resolved lawfully and through dialogue, not through force and destruction,” he said.
He further alleged that some structures were partially destroyed when individuals reportedly acting on Owoeye’s instructions invaded the community, removing roofs and vandalising buildings.
“On Saturday morning, while residents were still in their homes, some persons stormed the area and began damaging properties. We have video evidence of these actions,” he added.
Another resident, Oluwabusayo, claimed that property owners had been asked to pay a ratification fee of N3.2 million within 60 days to retain their lands.
He described the demand as “exorbitant and insensitive,” noting that many residents, including widows, widowers, and low-income earners, could not afford such payment amid prevailing economic hardship.
“We have lived here for between 10 and 20 years. Many of us built our homes gradually with life savings. We are pleading for justice and protection,” he said.
The residents urged the Ogun State Government and the Alake to halt the alleged destruction of properties, ensure due process, and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
They also called for any ratification process, if necessary, to be conducted in line with government regulations and at a reasonable cost.
Efforts to reach Owoeye for comment were unsuccessful as calls to his phone were not going through as of the time of filing this report.
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