…Accuses Councilor of Threats to Life, Forceful Takeover
…Community Leaders Demand Urgent Government Intervention
Adefemi Adesakin
A businessman and CEO of Young Agro’s Homes and Properties Limited, Mr. Ajibola Johnson, has accused Honourable Adekunle Ajayi Lateef, a councilor representing Owode Ward 3 in Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun State, of forcefully encroaching on his landed properties, issuing threats to his life, and using political power to perpetuate injustice.
Speaking exclusively to Medalinks News 24, Mr. Johnson lamented the series of threats and harassment he has faced since Honourable Lateef allegedly began encroaching on his properties located across villages in Obafemi Owode Local Government, including Imo Emulu, Eredo, Akinbo, Kemta, and Olorunsogo.
“Sometimes last year, 2024, Honourable Lateef encroached on my land, bringing heavy-duty machines to clear it without my consent. The councilor is using IGP Monitoring team, thugs and FCID personnel to harass me, making it impossible to resist his actions,” Johnson recounted.
He further alleged that after forcefully taking over one parcel of land, the councilor approached him with a promise of partial compensation for another plot at Alawonla near Eredo Village but failed to fulfill the payment.
“Recently, he went to another property of mine at Kemta Akinbo. He was stopped by the Baale and community youths because they know I am the rightful owner. Still, he keeps using political influence and threats,” Johnson said.
Community Stakeholders Demand Action
Stakeholders in the affected communities, including traditional leaders, have corroborated Johnson’s claims.
The Baale of Imo Emulu, Mr. Mujaidu Balogun, acknowledged Johnson’s contributions to the community, stating, “He provided us with a borehole and a water tank after purchasing the land. We don’t understand why Honourable Lateef claims ownership when we only sold the land to Mr. Johnson.”
The Baale of Olorunsogo, Mr. Jamiu Oso, echoed similar sentiments: “We sold the land to Mr. Johnson, and everyone knows he is the rightful owner. Honourable Lateef brought caterpillars and bulldozers without our consent. The community is powerless against him due to his political influence. We call on the government to intervene.”
The Olu Ofada of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ambassador Oba Oluseye Ogunwale Adefolu, expressed dismay at the councilor’s actions. “I’ve known Johnson as a credible property agent. It’s shocking to see Honourable Lateef encroaching on his land. Mr. Johnson is not his only victim,” he said.
Harassment and Legal Disputes
According to Johnson, Honourable Lateef has used police officers and thugs to intimidate him, forcing him to go into hiding since December 2024. “His workers are currently erecting buildings and fences on my land without proper documentation or payments. Clients are suing me for disputes caused by his actions,” he revealed.
Johnson claimed that despite reporting the matter to the police and inviting Honourable Lateef for questioning, the councilor has refused to cooperate.
“I want the Ogun State government to help me. Honourable Lateef has become a tyrant, using his political office to oppress me and others. I have consulted my lawyer, and we will take the necessary steps,” Johnson declared.
Efforts to reach Honourable Adekunle Ajayi Lateef for his response to the allegations proved abortive, as he declined to address the media.
Community leaders and stakeholders have called on the government to urgently intervene and address the growing trend of land grabbing by politically influential individuals in Ogun State.
This story underscores the growing concerns over land disputes and the abuse of political power in Nigeria, calling for immediate government intervention to protect citizens’ rights.
