…Accuses Honourable Lateef Iyana of spreading falsehood
…“Gravity News didn’t interview me” – Igboho
…Ogun businessman petitions Assembly, escalates to Attorney General
…“Honourable Lateef hiding behind state power to torment me” – Johnson
Olayinka Akinpelu
A fresh controversy has erupted over a protracted land dispute in Ogun State as Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has publicly disowned a radio report while reaffirming his support for Young Shall Grow Homes and Properties Limited.
The dispute, centred on a multi-billion-naira parcel of land in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, has drawn in political actors, business interests, and now, the media, further deepening tensions around ownership and alleged abuse of office.
Denying the Gravity 88.1FM, Igboho, Oyo State, news, Sunday Igboho noted that he was not interviewed by the news presented, questioning the source of his information, which he has labelled as propaganda.
However, in a telephone conversation, he noted that he has reviewed the land documents in dispute in the possession of both Young Shall Grow Homes and Properties and Honourable Adekunle Ajayi Lateef, the councillor representing Obafemi Owode Ward three, stating that the documents with Honourable Lateef are not valid or credible. He noted that he has advised Honourable Lateef to let go off the land dispute as he has no credible document.
After reviewing the businessman’s document, however, Sunday Igboho declared that he is the one with the original and legal documents for the landed properties in dispute.
Igboho Denies Radio Report, Alleges Misrepresentation
In a direct rebuttal to a broadcast by Gravity 88.1 FM, Igboho categorically denied granting any interview to the station, describing the report as “false and misleading”.
According to a telephone conversation obtained by Medalinks Media Africa, Igboho stated that neither the radio presenter nor any representative of the station contacted him before airing the report.
“I did not grant any interview to Gravity FM. I am only speaking now to protect my integrity after reviewing the documents involved in the land matter,” he said.
He further clarified that his involvement in the matter was limited to reviewing documentation presented to him and that he has no personal stake in the ownership dispute.
Distancing from Political Actor, Questions Credibility of Claims
Igboho also distanced himself from the embattled councillor, Adekunle Ajayi Lateef, stating that he had no prior relationship with him until a recent introduction in Ibafo.
He accused Lateef of spreading misinformation and warned him to desist from pursuing claims over the land, which he described as lacking credible legal backing.
“I have told him clearly to let go of the land. The documents he is presenting are not subsistent or credible enough to establish ownership,” Igboho stated, adding that he has no financial interest in the dispute.
Instead, he expressed confidence in the documentation held by Young Shall Grow Homes and Properties, describing them as “adequate and credible.”
Disputed Broadcast and Competing Claims
The controversial radio report had earlier claimed that Igboho distanced himself from the Ogun land dispute, while also suggesting that he had been approached by the claimant, Mr. Ajibola Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Young Shall Grow Homes and Properties Limited.
The report further alleged that Johnson accused Lateef, councillor representing Owode Ward III, of harassment, intimidation, and forceful encroachment on the disputed land.
However, Igboho insists that portions of the broadcast were fabricated, particularly claims suggesting his participation in negotiations or agreements concerning the land.
“I do not dabble in land grabbing matters,” he reportedly stated in the disputed broadcast—remarks he now insists were either taken out of context or entirely misrepresented.
Johnson Escalates Dispute, Petitions Authorities
Meanwhile, the business owner at the centre of the dispute, Ajibola Johnson, has intensified efforts to seek official intervention.
Johnson alleged that Lateef has been “parading” documents claiming ownership of a 7-acre property valued at ₦5.6 billion, allegedly pressuring community leaders to endorse the claim.
He further accused the councillor of leveraging political influence to intimidate him and interfere with his property rights.
“Honourable Lateef is hiding behind state power to torment me,” Johnson said, adding that the dispute has lingered unresolved for an extended period.
Johnson confirmed that he has formally petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly, requesting that Lateef be invited for questioning. He also disclosed plans to submit an additional petition to the Attorney General of the Federation.
“I am writing another letter to the Assembly, which will be delivered. I will also escalate the matter to the Attorney General to ensure justice is served,” he said.
Media Credibility, Power Dynamics, and Legal Uncertainty
The unfolding dispute highlights broader concerns about media responsibility, political influence, and land administration in Nigeria.
Igboho’s denial raises questions about journalistic standards and verification processes, particularly in conflict-sensitive reporting.
If his claims are substantiated, the incident could further erode public trust in local media institutions.
At the same time, the allegations against a sitting councillor underscore persistent concerns about the misuse of political office in land disputes—a recurring issue in Nigeria’s rapidly urbanising regions where land values continue to soar.
Legal experts note that the outcome of the case will likely hinge on the authenticity and enforceability of competing land documents, as well as the willingness of authorities to act impartially.
For now, with petitions pending and accusations mounting, the dispute appears far from resolution, setting the stage for a potentially high-profile legal and political showdown in Ogun State.
