… Ajibola credits Alake’s intervention for decisive arbitration outcome
… Lists royal fathers, chiefs, clerics, officials for roles in peace process
… Says Olu of Owode, Baales’ initial mediation laid groundwork
… Urges full compliance as stakeholders consolidate stability in Egbaland
Olayinka Akinpelu
Chief Executive Officer of Young Agro Properties, Johnson Akindele Ajibola, has publicly commended traditional rulers, government officials and community stakeholders for their roles in resolving the protracted land dispute in Imo Emulu Village, Owode Egba, Ogun State.
Ajibola, in a formal appreciation statement, attributed the peaceful resolution of the crisis to the intervention of His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo II, Okukenu IV, CFR, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, whose directive led to the constitution of a Traditional Arbitration Panel that delivered a final decision on the matter.
He noted that the Alake’s intervention, executed through High Chief Bode Mustapha, brought clarity and finality to the dispute after earlier mediation efforts had stalled.
According to Ajibola, the initial intervention by His Royal Highness, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, alongside the Council of Baales in Imo Emulu, though deadlocked, laid the foundation for dialogue and eventual escalation to the Alake for authoritative resolution.
He also appreciated Oba Lawrence Olawale Adisa Odeyinka, gbolagunge 1, Olu of Siun Kingdom.
The businessman also acknowledged the broader influence of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadanl land and Chairman, Council of Obas in Oyo State, for his moral support and contribution to regional peace efforts.
Ajibola listed several traditional leaders and chiefs whose roles he described as critical to restoring calm and ensuring justice.
These include:
Chief Mutairu Balogun, Baale of Imo Emulu Village;
Chief Akinyele, Jagunmolu of Owode Egba;
Chief Alani Ashimi, Sarumi of Owode Egba;
Chief Adeolu Ogunyemi Adeogun, Bobagunwa of Owode Egba;
Chief Isiaka Lekan Soetan, Bobajiroro of Owode Egba;
Chief Mrs Iyabode Sowemimo-Salami, Iyalọja of Owode Egba; and
Chief Ibrahim Saka, Olori Odo of Owode Egba.
He further appreciated religious leaders present at the arbitration proceedings, including:
Bishop Ezekiel Olukunle, Justice of Peace;
Imam Abdulfatai Soyoye, Chief Imam of Owode Egba; and
Apostle Johnson Ayinde Fadeyi, Secretary to the Olu of Owode-in-Council, noting that their presence reinforced neutrality and promoted peace.
The statement also recognised the contributions of traditional institutions such as the Council of Chiefs in Imo Emulu, the Council of Baales, the Olu of Orile Imo, and all traditional rulers across Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
Ajibola extended his appreciation to the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Dapo Abiodun, CON, as well as Engr Babatunde Akeem Adesina, FNSE, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, and the Obafemi Owode Local Government Chairman, Ambassador Adesina Ogunsola, FCPA, for maintaining an enabling environment for lawful dispute resolution.
He also acknowledged the support and advocacy of High Chief Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, describing his role as significant in promoting fairness and community rights.
Ajibola further commended the Muslim and Christian communities in Imo Emulu, alongside other stakeholders, for prioritising peace and cooperation throughout the dispute.
He emphasised that the transition from a deadlocked local mediation led by the Olu of Owode and Baales to a decisive arbitration under the Alake, through the Osi of Egbaland, demonstrated the strength and relevance of traditional governance structures in conflict resolution.
While welcoming the outcome, Ajibola urged all parties involved in the dispute to comply fully with the arbitration decision, stressing that sustained peace and stability remain essential for development in Imo Emulu, Owode Egba and the wider Egbaland.
