Ondo monarch remanded over alleged illegal land occupation

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Oba of Abo Asakin Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Sunday Adebayo, has been remanded in custody over alleged illegal entry and occupation of a parcel of land belonging to Chief Temitayo Jimoh.

The monarch was arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting in Oke Eda, Akure, on Monday following allegations that he took possession of the disputed property despite the owner’s objection.

According to the Ondo State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing, the dispute began after Adebayo approached Jimoh, a senior member of the traditional institution in the community, seeking permission to use the land for a community project.

Jimoh reportedly rejected the request and advised the monarch to consider alternative parcels, but the task force alleged that Adebayo subsequently entered and commenced development on the disputed property despite the objection.

The development prompted the intervention of the Task Force, while efforts by traditional rulers and other community stakeholders to resolve the dispute reportedly failed.

At the court, the prosecution opposed the defendant’s bail application, leading the court to adjourn ruling on the application until Friday and order that the monarch be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the decision.

Reacting to the development, the task force said the case was not targeted at the monarch but was part of the government’s efforts to protect lawful property rights and prevent illegal occupation of land.

The task force said no individual, regardless of status or position, had the right to take possession of another person’s property without lawful authority, adding that land disputes must be resolved through legal channels rather than self-help, intimidation or force.