By Enani Benson
The Agunbiade family of Iweke community in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State has petitioned the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, seeking urgent government intervention over an alleged forceful takeover of their ancestral land by suspected land grabbers.
In a petition dated March 6, 2026, and addressed to the Attorney-General at the Ministry of Justice, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the family accused five individuals from the Olurin family of illegally occupying their land and allegedly using weapons to intimidate family members who attempt to access the property.
Those accused in the petition were identified as Oyero Olurin, Kayode Olurin, Iduwu Ayigbirin, Kayode Kangidi and one Sunday Osho.
Speaking with journalists in Abeokuta on Thursday, the head of the family, Chief Agunbiade Taiwo Daniel, commended the state government for its ongoing efforts to tackle land grabbing across Ogun State. He, however, appealed for what he described as a “special investigation and prosecution” of the individuals allegedly involved in the dispute.
Daniel described the suspects as “serial tormentors,” alleging that they had continued to harass and intimidate members of the Agunbiade family whenever they attempted to visit the land.
Also speaking with our correspondent, the family secretary, Chief Agunbiade Gbenga John, alleged that the suspects had not only taken over the vast land but were also encouraging illegal buyers to continue construction activities on the disputed property.
He further claimed that several attempts by the family to resolve the matter through peaceful dialogue were unsuccessful, alleging that such efforts were met with threats and further acts of intimidation.
According to him, the Agunbiade family has maintained ownership of the land for generations, describing the property as part of their ancestral heritage dating back “to time immemorial.”
The family therefore called on the state government to sustain its efforts in curbing land grabbing and ensure the protection of citizens from armed encroachers.
As of press time, the Ministry of Justice in Ogun State was said to have directed the Commander of the Ogun State Task Force on Illegalities to conduct a discreet investigation into the dispute.
