….Communities accuse businessman of violence, intimidation
…Akarigbo’s palace vows action, petitions government
Residents of Ajiregun and 11 other neighbouring villages in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised the alarm over alleged violent land grabbing, calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and restore peace in the affected communities.
The villagers, who spoke on Monday, accused a man identified as Sir Kay Oluwo of masterminding what they described as coordinated land invasions, intimidation of landowners and attacks on residents.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Mrs. Adesanya Omotayo, who described herself as their representative and spokesperson, alleged that the situation had worsened since last year.
“I represent Ajiregun and about 12 villages. We are suffering,” Omotayo said.
“This man has been disturbing landowners, especially elderly people, since last year. He has mounted boys to harass, beat and even kill people.”
Omotayo claimed that several villagers were currently receiving medical treatment following violent encounters linked to the dispute.
“We have victims in the hospital right now because of this issue,” she added.
“Almost all the land has been grabbed. People cannot return to their villages or farms. We live in fear every day.”
She further alleged that even organisations and individuals who legally acquired land in the area had not been spared, citing a case involving the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Sagamu branch.
“There is a representative of NUT here, Mr. Biodun Oriyomi. They bought land, but this same man has taken over it,” she said.
“Nobody can go to their farm anymore.”
One of the alleged victims, Mr. Oladipupo Orunmoku, recounted a violent incident, claiming he was attacked by armed men believed to be linked to the suspect.
“Some of his boys came to our land. They were about 60 and fully armed,” Orunmoku alleged.
“They shot me, but God saved my life.”
The communities appealed to relevant authorities, including Governor Abiodun, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, and the Akarigbo of Remo Land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, to step in.
Reacting, the Akarigbo, represented by the Lisa of Ofin in Remo, Chief Adeyemi Salami, acknowledged that land grabbing had become a growing menace across the region.
“Land grabbing is becoming a serious problem everywhere,” Chief Salami said.
“People cannot go to their farms or even their markets. If farming is their livelihood, how can they survive?”
He assured the affected communities that the palace was already taking steps to address the matter.
“The palace is not folding its arms. We are taking action, even up to the House of Assembly,” he stated.
Chief Salami added that petitions and relevant documents were being compiled for submission to the state government for decisive intervention.
“We are putting all the papers together and everything will go before the governor,” he said.
“The power to enforce the law against land grabbers rests with the governor. We cannot do it from here alone. The complaint will be forwarded for urgent action.”
The communities urged the state government to act swiftly to prevent further violence and ensure that lawful landowners can return safely to their homes and farmlands.
