Family denies land grabbing allegations against Ogun monarch

The family of the traditional ruler of Mogede village in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Najeem Osolake, has dismissed land-grabbing allegations made against him.

The monarch’s son, Akingbogun Azeez, who spoke on behalf of the family, made the denial in a statement made available to Saturday PUNCH.

Azeez was reacting to a report detailing the arrest and release of Osolake over a land dispute with a businesswoman, Damilola Adisa.

The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, had intervened in the matter, telling our correspondent that Osolake’s family signed an undertaking not to trespass on the property.

Adisa had accused Osolake of threatening her life and attempting to forcibly seize her father’s land, despite her holding valid ownership documents.

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Refuting the claims, Azeez stated, “My father is not a land grabber. He is the Baale of Mogede village. The land in dispute is directly beside where he is building his palace as Baale of Mogede.”

He added that his father never engaged in violence with Adisa, noting that the civil dispute was already before the Customary Court in Owode-Egba, Ogun State.

“At no time did my father become violent with the lady, threaten to kill her, or damage her father’s burial ground as she claimed.”

“To further honour the AG’s intervention for peace to reign, we have agreed that the civil case at Customary Court, Owode Egba will be withdrawn at the next adjourned date next month,” Azeez added.

Biodun Busari is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with five years of experience reporting on human interest, crime, diaspora issues, and feature storytelling. He focuses on producing engaging, informative stories that enlighten the public and provide context on complex topics. Biodun’s work demonstrates hands-on newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate, purpose-driven journalism.

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