A protracted land dispute in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State has intensified, with the Chief Executive Officer of Young Agro Services Ltd, Johnson Akindele, accusing a serving councillor, Lateef Adekunle, of land grabbing, intimidation and abuse of office.
Akindele, who spoke on the development, alleged that the crisis, which has lingered for years, has worsened despite interventions by traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.
He claimed that the councillor representing Ward 03 had persistently encroached on several parcels of land he lawfully acquired across communities including Ita Ijaiye, Alawonla, Eredo and Imo Emulu. According to him, some of the properties were either forcefully taken over, resold without his consent or abandoned under pressure from community stakeholders.
Describing the situation as both frustrating and life-threatening, Akindele alleged misuse of power by the councillor. “The continuous encroachment on my property is unlawful and unacceptable,” he said.
On the disputed land at Imo Emulu, estimated at 71 acres, the businessman maintained that ownership had been duly established and the land subsequently transferred to another party. He added that the community had demanded proof of ownership from the councillor, which he allegedly failed to provide.
Instead, Akindele claimed that Adekunle demanded a refund of N600 million, purportedly representing expenses incurred on the land. He also accused the councillor of deploying security operatives to harass him and his workers, alleging multiple arrests and disruptions at the site.
The dispute took a fresh turn following the circulation of a document titled “Resolution of the Palace of Human Resources Manager, Olu-Owode Kingdom,” which reportedly valued the land at N450 million and total expenditure at N600 million.
In a letter dated April 7, 2026, addressed to the Olu of Owode-in-Council, Akindele rejected the document, describing it as misleading and lacking legitimacy. He stated that he neither recognised the body that issued the resolution nor appeared before it at any time.
He further argued that no binding resolution was reached at a meeting held before the traditional council on March 31, 2026, insisting that the councillor was instead asked to provide verifiable evidence to support his claim.
Akindele also questioned the financial figures contained in the document, citing inconsistencies and absence of supporting evidence such as receipts and transaction records. He alleged possible collusion involving a former site manager, claiming the repeated N600 million figure pointed to a coordinated attempt to dispossess him.
Community leaders in the area have largely backed Akindele, calling for due process and restraint to prevent escalation of the crisis.
A human rights advocate and community leader, Bishop Ezekiel Olukunle, who facilitated earlier reconciliation efforts, said a prior resolution at the palace favoured the businessman.
He noted that stakeholders at the meeting, including religious leaders, chiefs and market representatives, agreed that the councillor had no valid claim to the land but later failed to abide by the decision.
Similarly, the Baale of Abule Ode, Chief Isiaka Sowunmi Soetan, confirmed that the matter had been presented before the traditional council, which directed the councillor to produce evidence to substantiate his claim.
Another community leader criticised alleged attempts to leverage political influence in the dispute, stressing that no individual should exploit public office to override due process or dispossess rightful owners.
As tensions persist, stakeholders have urged both parties to exercise restraint and follow lawful channels, warning that the dispute could threaten peace in the community if not urgently resolved.
Efforts to obtain a response from the councillor, Lateef Adekunle, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
