CITIZENS COMPASS – The Olu of Obafemi in Ogun State, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, has got six months suspension over an allegation of land grabbing in the State.
The Egba Traditional Council recently initiated the suspension which got the approval of the State House of Assembly.
The allegation was levelled by the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association (CDA) in Ogun State.
A letter dated December 13, 2024, signed by the Alake of Egbaland and President of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, stated that the suspension was due to Oba Owolabi’s failure to honor multiple invitations from both the Ogun State House of Assembly and the Council’s Ethical Committee.
The suspended monarch had previously been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in the Owode-Egba area in October 2024, facing charges of defrauding one Michael Adeyemi of N75 million and assaulting a police officer. The charges include felony, fraudulent conversion, and assault.
The controversy began on January 29, 2024, when the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly, accusing the monarch of illegally acquiring land. In response, the Assembly scheduled meetings on July 8, 10, and 17, 2024, at the State House of Assembly complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Despite multiple notifications, Oba Owolabi allegedly failed to attend.
After unsuccessful mediation attempts by the Council’s Ethical Committee, the Egba Traditional Council invoked Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs’ Law of 2021 to justify the suspension. The council declared that Oba Owolabi’s conduct was “entirely unexpected of anyone who has any claim to being a traditional ruler.”
The suspension, which is effective immediately, bars Oba Owolabi from attending government functions or presenting himself publicly as the Olu of Obafemi for the six-month period. He will also forfeit all entitlements, including his salary.
The decision has been communicated to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hazmat.
The suspension letter reads: “In a bid to amicably resolve the issue raised by the petitioners, the Ogun State House of Assembly invited you to meetings held on Monday, July 8; Wednesday, July 10; and Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Ogun State House of Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan. You failed to appear despite several invitations sent to you.
“The Ethical Committee of the Egba Traditional Council had a session of dialogue with you to no avail.
“In line with Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, and for conduct entirely unexpected of anyone who has any claim to being a traditional ruler, the Egba Traditional Council at its meeting on Friday, December 13, 2024, passed a resolution to suspend you for six months without pay, effective immediately.
“You are barred from attending government functions or parading yourself in public as the Olu of Obafemi during the suspension period.”
