Land Dispute Between Makogi Community and Alleged Land Grabbers at the Root of Crisis
Makogi, Ogun State — The Olu of Makogi Kingdom in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonola, has not been remanded in custody by any court, contrary to claims and insinuations circulating in some sections of the public.
Investigations revealed that the controversy surrounding the traditional ruler stems from a long-standing land dispute between the Makogi community and individuals alleged to be land grabbers seeking to illegally take over parcels of land within the community.
While it is true that Oba Sonola was arraigned before a court on charges described by his supporters as trumped up, the Honourable Court did not order his remand. Rather, the monarch was granted bail, which he promptly perfected in accordance with the conditions set by the court.
Sources close to the palace confirmed that following the court proceedings, Oba Sonola returned to Makogi and has continued to carry out his traditional responsibilities without hindrance.
When contacted via a video call, the monarch was seen relaxed at his official residence in Makogi, shortly after returning from a social engagement. Speaking calmly, he expressed concern over what he described as the continued presence and activities of alleged land grabbers in the community, some of whom, he claimed, were operating in the company of officers and men of the Nigeria Police.
According to Oba Sonola, the activities of these individuals have persisted despite repeated complaints to security authorities. He disclosed that formal reports were made to the Ogun State Police Command more than a year ago regarding the alleged illegal land acquisitions and harassment of community members. However, he lamented that the response so far had not been sufficient to halt the situation.
The monarch also addressed allegations of murder being linked to his name, describing them as false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to tarnish his reputation and destabilize the Makogi community.
“I have never been involved in the murder of any person, and I will never be,” the monarch stated. “Not as a traditional ruler, and certainly not as a human being.”
He maintained that the murder allegations being circulated were part of a wider scheme by land grabbers to create fear, discredit the traditional institution, and forcefully seize community land under false pretences.
Calling on relevant security agencies, Oba Sonola urged a thorough and impartial investigation into the entire matter, stressing the need to separate criminal falsehood from genuine community grievances. He emphasized that restoring peace and order in Makogi should be treated as a priority, even as legal proceedings continue.
Despite the tension, the monarch appealed to residents of Makogi Kingdom to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful, assuring them that justice would ultimately prevail.
“Peace will return to Makogi,” he said. “We must not allow falsehood and intimidation to destroy our community.”
As of the time of filing this report, the case remains before a court of competent jurisdiction, while community leaders and residents continue to call for decisive intervention by security agencies to prevent further escalation.
