… Young Agro CEO alleges intimidation, unlawful encroachment across multiple sites
…Community leaders back claimant, urge councillor to present documents or withdraw
…Controversial N600m ‘resolution’ rejected as parties trade claims over ownership
Olayinka Akinpelu
A protracted land dispute in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State has escalated, with the Chief Executive Officer of Young Agro Services Ltd, Mr Johnson Akindele, accusing a serving councillor, Honourable Lateef Adekunle, of sustained land grabbing, intimidation and abuse of power.
Akindele, who spoke to Medalinks Media Africa, said the dispute, which has spanned several years, has worsened despite repeated interventions by traditional rulers, community leaders, law enforcement agencies and government officials.
He alleged that the councillor representing Ward 03 had continued to encroach on multiple parcels of land legally acquired by him, describing the situation as “frustrating” and life-threatening.
“This issue is killing me,” Akindele said. “The excessive use of power by Honourable Lateef to encroach and grab my property is unlawful and lacks moral uprightness.”
He listed several disputed properties across the area, including parcels in Ita Ijaiye, Alawonla, Eredo and Imo Emulu, claiming that in some instances he was compelled by community pressure to relinquish the land, while in others, his developments were allegedly demolished or resold without his consent.
On the current dispute at Imo Emulu, Akindele maintained that the land, estimated at about 71 acres, was lawfully acquired and had since been sold to another party.
“The community has confirmed my ownership with documents and asked him to present his own, but he could not,” he said. “Instead, he wrote demanding that I refund him N600 million for what he claimed to have spent.”
Akindele further alleged that attempts were made to use security operatives to intimidate him and disrupt activities on the site.
“Police were brought in to arrest me and harass my workers. I have reported this matter several times, yet instead of resolution, it keeps getting worse,” he added.
The dispute took a new turn following the emergence of a document titled “Resolution of the Palace of Human Resources Manager, Olu-Owode Kingdom,” which claimed that the land in question was valued at N450 million, with total expenditures put at N600 million.
However, Akindele, in a formal response dated 7 April 2026 and addressed to the Olu of Owode-in-Council, rejected the document, describing it as “misleading, unsubstantiated and lacking legitimacy.”
“I do not know, nor have I ever appeared before, any body known as the ‘Palace of Human Resources Manager’ within Owode Kingdom,” he stated.
He argued that no resolution was reached at a meeting held before the traditional council on 31 March 2026, noting that the councillor was instead asked to provide verifiable evidence of ownership.
“The statement that this resolution confirms the sale of land is false and unsupported. No such confirmation was made before Kabiyesi and the Council,” he said.
Akindele also faulted the financial claims in the document, pointing to inconsistencies in the figures and absence of supporting evidence, including receipts, identities of agents and proof of transactions.
He further raised concerns about an alleged conspiracy involving a former site manager, claiming that the repeated N600 million figure suggested coordinated attempts to dispossess him of his property.
“Claims to land ownership must be supported by credible documentary evidence. Bare assertions and self-generated documents carry no probative value,” he added, urging the traditional council to disregard the resolution and compel the councillor to present verifiable proof.
Community leaders in the area have largely sided with Akindele, insisting that due process must be followed and peace maintained.
Bishop Ezekiel Olukunle, a human rights advocate and community leader who facilitated a reconciliation meeting, said a resolution had earlier been reached in favour of Akindele.
“To the glory of God, we settled the matter at the palace and agreed that Honourable Lateef is not the owner of the property and should leave it to Mr Johnson,” he said.
“However, surprisingly, he later refused to abide by the decision, and the dispute continued.”
Olukunle said the meeting was attended by prominent stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional chiefs and market representatives, stressing that the community’s position remained binding.
“There is no one more powerful than the community. What the community decides is what should stand,” he added.
Similarly, Chief Isiaka Sowunmi Soetan, Baale of Abule Ode, confirmed that the matter had been presented before the traditional ruler and council, with a clear directive for the councillor to provide evidence if he had legitimate claims.
“Johnson is the owner of the land that we know,” he said. “If Lateef has any claim, he should bring documents to back it up. Raising tension in the community over baseless claims is not good for our people.”
Another community leader, Chief Olukunle, criticised what he described as attempts to leverage political influence in the dispute, stressing that all parties have equal rights under the law.
“This is our ancestral home. No one should make false claims or forcefully take land from rightful owners,” he said. “The belief that being a public figure allows one to get away with such actions is not acceptable.”
As tensions persist, stakeholders have continued to call for restraint and adherence to lawful processes, warning that the dispute could undermine peace in the community if not urgently resolved.
Efforts to obtain a response from Honourable Lateef Adekunle were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
