… Commuity members Allege Fake Documents Syndicate
… Johnson Accuses Councillor Of Harassment, Land Grabbing
… Lati Denies Claims, Urges Legal Resolution
A protracted land dispute in Imo Emulu community, Ogun State, has deepened, with traditional leaders and residents throwing their weight behind a businessman, Mr Johnson, as allegations of forgery, double sales and political interference dominate the controversy.
Findings by Medalinks Media Africa show that the dispute centres on competing claims of ownership over large parcels of land, with both community stakeholders and the businessman insisting that due process was followed in the initial transactions.
Community Leaders Back Johnson
At the centre of the dispute is the endorsement of Johnson by key traditional figures, including the Baale and high chiefs of Imo Emulu, who maintain that he remains the legitimate owner of the land in question.
The Baale of Imo Emulu, Chief Mujaidu Balogun, said Johnson followed the laid-down process by purchasing land directly from recognised landowners, adding that the community only demanded social responsibility in return.
“Johnson was the first person to acquire landed properties from us. We told him clearly that the Baale does not sell land, so he should buy from the landowners, which he did,” Balogun said.
He added that the businessman subsequently supported the community with a borehole project, describing it as a sign of good faith and legitimacy.
“After about two to three years, we discovered that another person was working on the same land. That was when the problem started,” he said.
Balogun further alleged that some individuals attempted to coerce community leaders into endorsing documents they neither initiated nor approved.
“They brought documents for us to sign, but I refused. The names written there, including mine, were not authorised by us. We did not receive any money stated in those papers,” he said.
Allegations Of Fake Land Documents
Community sources and Johnson identified five individuals allegedly linked to the circulation of disputed land documents. They include Kayode Osho, Osho Fajimi Kashimawo, Idowu Sanni Kamoru, Ibrahim Odekeye and Jamiu Yeeku.
According to Johnson, the individuals are being used by a political figure to perpetrate illegal land transactions and intimidate traditional authorities.
He alleged, “Those men are carrying fake land documents around and threatening chiefs to sign under pressure because of money promised to them.”
However, responses from some of those named reveal conflicting accounts, underscoring the complexity of land ownership structures in the community.
Mr Jamiu Yeeku, who admitted selling land to Johnson, denied any double sale.
“I was the one who sold the land to him and he paid me. I did not sell the land to two different people. He is the only one I sold to,” he said.
Similarly, a surveyor in the community, Mr Kayode Osho, confirmed his role in measuring the land, stating that Johnson was properly introduced to him through the landowning family.
“Johnson bought the land from Jamiu Yeeku. I was responsible for measuring it. The price was to be determined by the family, not me,” he said.
Community Stakeholders Speak
Other residents also backed Johnson’s claims, describing him as a legitimate investor with verifiable documents.
Nureni Baloye, a community member, said, “I know him as a real estate agent who bought land from the rightful owners. He has adequate documents and has even resold some to clients with proper documentation.”
He added that any competing claims lacked credibility within the community.
“There is no document that anyone can produce that will be more authentic than what we can give as indigenes,” he said.
However, the chairman of Imo Emulu, Saidu Fasasi, presented a different dimension, acknowledging that he sold land to the opposing party.
“I sold land to Lati and signed the documents for that transaction. But I am not the one who sold land to Johnson,” he said, noting that he had been ill for months and was not actively involved in recent developments.
Businessman Recounts Ordeal
Johnson, in an extensive account, alleged a pattern of harassment and encroachment on multiple properties linked to him across Ogun State.
“Since 2024, he has been troubling me across different locations — from Eredo to Alawola, Showunmi Osoba and now Imo Emulu,” he said.
He accused the councillor of deploying thugs and security operatives to disrupt his operations, including demolishing structures.
“I fenced one of the properties and it was demolished. I have video evidence of the violence and it was reported,” he said.
Johnson further alleged that repeated petitions and counter-petitions were filed across multiple police formations, including the State Criminal Investigation Department and special units, without resolution.
“He was invited by security agencies but did not show up. Instead, he continued to file petitions against me,” he said.
He added that community protests once forced authorities to reopen an access road allegedly blocked during the dispute.
Political Dimension And Denial
The dispute, first reported by Medalinks Media Africa on 13 January 2025, has raised broader concerns about land governance and alleged abuse of political influence in Ogun State.
Johnson described his opponent as part of a “land grabbing cartel”, insisting that the matter goes beyond a civil disagreement.
But in his response, Honourable Lateef Adekunle dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.
“To me, it is baseless and not something I should concern myself with. This is not the first time such claims have been circulated,” he said.
He argued that land disputes should be resolved through formal channels rather than media engagement.
“If there is any issue concerning land, the appropriate place is the court of law, customary institutions or traditional rulers, not the media,” he added.
Analysis: A Test Of Land Governance
The Imo Emulu dispute reflects a recurring pattern in Nigeria’s peri-urban communities, where weak land administration systems, overlapping ownership claims and political interference create fertile ground for conflict.
The involvement of multiple actors — traditional leaders, private investors, political figures and alleged intermediaries — highlights the absence of a centralised, transparent land registry.
Experts note that without clear documentation systems and enforcement of property rights, such disputes risk escalating into violence, undermining investor confidence and community stability.
For now, the claims and counterclaims remain unresolved, with stakeholders calling for urgent intervention by authorities to establish the true ownership of the land and prevent further escalation.
