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The Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, has been suspended for six months by the Egba Traditional Council following allegations of land grabbing in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The suspension was confirmed in a letter dated December 13, 2024, and signed by Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland and President of the Egba Traditional Council.
The council’s decision was prompted by Oba Owolabi’s repeated failure to respond to invitations from the Ogun State House of Assembly and the council’s Ethical Committee.
In August, the Ogun State House of Assembly had recommended his prosecution over claims of land grabbing and urged the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, along with the State Council of Obas, to suspend the monarch immediately.
The allegations against Oba Owolabi included actions that could disrupt the peace in Agboro-Olatunde village and the broader community.
The monarch’s legal issues began on January 29, 2024, when the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association petitioned the Assembly, accusing him of illegally acquiring land. Despite being invited to meetings on July 8, 10, and 17 at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Oba Owolabi failed to appear.
Citing Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021, the Egba Traditional Council suspended Oba Owolabi for six months for failing to cooperate with investigations. He also faces charges of allegedly defrauding Michael Adeyemi of ₦75 million and assaulting a police officer.
The suspension, which took immediate effect, was conveyed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, in a formal resolution.
The letter stated: “On January 29, 2024, the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly, accusing you of land grabbing. In an effort to address the matter amicably, the Assembly invited you to meetings on July 8, 10, and 17, but you failed to appear despite multiple invitations.”
It concluded by confirming that the council had resolved to suspend the monarch without pay for six months, effective December 13, 2024.
