…Residents allege men linked to Hon Lateef Iyana invaded land at midnight
…Community youths intercept vehicle without plate numbers in Abule Ologiri
…Businessman Johnson Akindele says matter reported to Owode Police Station
Olayinka Akinpelu
Tension gripped Abule Ologiri Community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State late Thursday night after residents and youths allegedly apprehended suspected political thugs said to be working for Honourable Lateef Adekunle, popularly known as Lati Iyana, on a disputed property belonging to Agro Homes Properties.
The suspects were reportedly caught carrying charms and fetish items while allegedly trespassing on the landed property owned by Ogun businessman, Honourable Johnson Akindele Ajibola, Chief Executive Officer of Agro Homes Properties.
Residents of the community alleged that the men arrived at the property in a Toyota Highlander vehicle without registration plate numbers and were seen moving suspiciously around the land during the late hours of the night.
The incident has further heightened tension surrounding the lingering land dispute between Honourable Lateef Adekunle, who represents Obafemi Owode Ward 3, and businessman Johnson Akindele over ownership and control of portions of land within the area.
According to community sources, youths and local leaders became alarmed after noticing unusual activities around the property between midnight and the early hours of Friday.
Some residents reportedly alerted community leaders and the Baale after observing unidentified individuals entering the property repeatedly at odd hours.
The development prompted concerned youths and local stakeholders to mobilise to the scene where the suspects were allegedly intercepted.
Speaking with Medalinks Media Africa, Johnson Akindele claimed that the suspects were caught while allegedly attempting to place charms on the property.
According to him, villagers had for some time observed suspicious movements around the land before eventually discovering the identities of those involved.
“Someone called to alert me that some people were entering into the property,” Akindele said during a telephone conversation.
“The people said that they have been noticing suspicious movements around the property, but they just got to know that it is Honourable Lateef. The people who alerted us said their vehicles did not have plate numbers and they usually go to the property around 12 midnight to 1 a.m.”
The businessman further disclosed that community members had already begun considering additional security measures around the estate to prevent further unauthorised entry.
“We have told them to erect a gate so that whenever those vehicles go in, they should lock the gates and call us and the security operatives so that they can be interrogated to know what they are doing,” he said.
Akindele also alleged that one of the individuals found at the property was a herbalist identified as Rasak Olusi.
“It was around 10 to 11 a.m. that we confirmed it was Honourable Lateef and his herbalist, Rasak Olusi,” he stated.
“We have stopped them and called security operatives to arrest them. They are here with us now.”
He added that the matter had already been reported to the Owode Police Station for investigation and possible prosecution.
As of the time of filing this report, Honourable Lateef Adekunle had not officially responded to the allegations levelled against him.
Efforts to obtain comments from police authorities in Owode on the reported arrest and investigation were unsuccessful.
Background to the land dispute
The latest incident is the newest chapter in the prolonged land ownership crisis involving Honourable Lateef Adekunle and businessman Johnson Akindele within parts of Obafemi Owode Local Government.
The dispute, which has generated repeated tension within affected communities, previously attracted the intervention of traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders across Ogun State.
Earlier in the year, the disagreement reportedly escalated after a bulldozer was allegedly deployed to clear portions of land said to belong to Johnson Akindele, an action that triggered outrage among residents and supporters of both parties.
The situation reportedly required intervention from leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Obafemi Owode as well as stakeholders at the state level to prevent breakdown of law and order.
The matter later became the subject of a traditional arbitration process constituted under the authority of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo II.
The panel, led by High Chief Bode Mustapha, eventually ruled that Johnson Akindele’s claims over the disputed portions of land were substantially corroborated by vendor testimonies, community records and documentary evidence, while aspects of Honourable Lateef Adekunle’s claims were described as materially inconsistent.
Despite the arbitration outcome, tension surrounding the disputed property has continued, with residents expressing concern that renewed confrontations could threaten peace within the community if urgent measures are not taken by security agencies and political stakeholders.
