…Sunday Igboho Backs Ogun Business man
…Lawyer Abiodun Aboaba Denies Involvement, to Probe Fake Land Document
…Community Leaders, Stakeholders Corroborate Ownership Claims
Olayinka Akinpelu
A businessman, Ajibola Johnson, has renewed allegations of land encroachment and document falsification against a councillor representing Owode Ward in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Honourable Lateef Adekunle Ajayi, escalating a dispute that has lingered since 2024.
Johnson, who addressed journalists, said the crisis began despite interventions by community elders and partial repayment of monies owed by the councillor. He alleged that the councillor continued to trespass on his land, assault workers, and evade police invitations across Ogun, Lagos, and Abuja.
“I have been called by elders and stakeholders to allow peace, but despite warnings, he still went to the land and injured my workers. He promised to pay for the fence and land but has not shown up,” Johnson said.
The businessman maintained that he legally acquired over 70 acres of land in Imo Emulu and adjoining communities between 2021 and 2024, adding that he had already sold about 50 acres to clients before the dispute intensified.
Igboho Intervenes, Backs Businessman
Johnson disclosed that the matter was later taken to Ibadan, where Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, intervened after being approached by the councillor.
According to Johnson, he presented ownership documents to Igboho, who subsequently ruled in his favour after reviewing the evidence.
“He told me that if I was truthful, he would not support wrongdoing. After seeing my documents, he realised I am the rightful owner and that the evidence brought against me was false,” Johnson said.
A telephone conversation with Igboho confirmed Johnson’s account. The activist stated that the documents presented by the councillor were inconsistent and allegedly fake, affirming that Johnson’s claims appeared credible.
Document Controversy Deepens
Central to the dispute is an agreement purportedly showing the sale of seven acres of land at Imo Emulu to a company, Ace Logistics and Supply Chain Limited, at a total value of N5.6 billion.
The document, reportedly prepared by Abiodun Aboaba of R.R.A & Associates, outlines terms of transfer between community representatives and the company.
However, Johnson described the document as fraudulent, noting that it was unsigned and allegedly involved individuals without legitimate ownership claims.
“This document was prepared but not signed. People who do not own the land were made to sign so he could take my land,” he alleged.
He further claimed that earlier community resolutions, including those written in Yoruba by the Council of Chiefs of Imo Emulu, had clearly delineated his ownership boundaries.
Lawyer Disowns Document
Reacting to the controversy, Abiodun Aboaba denied preparing the disputed document, citing inconsistencies and lack of authentication.
“After seeing the document, I observed a lot of discrepancies. You cannot say you are buying seven acres at N800,000 per acre and then talk about billions,” he said.
He added that the absence of his signature and those of other parties raised serious doubts about its authenticity.
“The only thing that makes it clear it is not from me is that my signature is not there. Nobody signed the document. I will investigate further and check if any junior in my office drafted it,” Aboaba stated.
Community, Traditional Leaders Support Claim
Findings indicate that several community leaders and stakeholders have backed Johnson’s ownership claims, citing his contributions and longstanding agreements with landowners.
The Baale of Imo Emulu and other local leaders reportedly affirmed that the land was legitimately sold to Johnson, raising concerns over what they described as increasing cases of land grabbing linked to political influence.
Johnson also maintained that he had fulfilled all legal requirements, including obtaining government allocation and a Certificate of Occupancy.
“I am not a politician. I have followed due process. I want the government to warn him and ensure justice,” he said.
Background To Dispute
The dispute adds to earlier reports by Medalinks Media Africa on 13 January 2025, where Johnson accused the councillor of deploying security operatives and thugs to harass him and forcibly take over his properties across multiple communities.
Despite repeated invitations by law enforcement agencies, the councillor has reportedly failed to respond, while efforts to obtain his reaction remain unsuccessful.
The case highlights growing concerns over land disputes and allegations of abuse of political power in Ogun State, with stakeholders calling for urgent government intervention to safeguard property rights and uphold the rule of law.
