Ondo traditional leader remanded over alleged forceful land takeover

By Boye Oyeyemi

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of the Obaloja of Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area, Olusola Michael Aderounmu, over alleged involvement in the forceful takeover of a disputed farmland.

The defendant was arraigned on four counts bordering on alleged threat to life, unlawful entry, forceful possession of landed property and destruction of oil palm and plantain plantations at Oke-Oge, opposite the Akure Airport. The land was said to have been sold in 2014 by the late Chief Daniel Fabomi, the Ajana of Eleyewo.

According to the prosecution, led by the Principal Legal Officer in the Ministry of Justice, O.E. Akintan, Aderounmu and others still at large allegedly invaded the property, destroyed fences and crops, and used thugs to dispossess the lawful owner despite knowing the land had been legally transferred.

The prosecution further alleged that the traditional chief repeatedly ignored invitations from the state’s Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force since May 2026 and allegedly evaded investigation by going into hiding.

Although the defendant pleaded not guilty, the court admitted him to bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties, including a Level 10 civil servant and a verified landowner, both of whom must provide valid tax clearance certificates. Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, he was remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre.

“The defendant’s actions are capable of disrupting public peace, undermining lawful ownership of property and creating insecurity around land transactions in the state,” the prosecution told the court.

Reacting to the development, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, cautioned residents against using force, intimidation or thuggery to settle land disputes, insisting that offenders would face prosecution.

“The Aiyedatiwa administration is committed to ensuring that land disputes are resolved through lawful means. Forceful entry, illegal occupation and other acts of land grabbing will continue to attract criminal prosecution, while the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force remains available to provide lawful avenues for redress,” Ajulo said.