A fresh wave of tension has erupted in Okitipupa Local Council of Ondo State as businessman and philanthropist, Tony Aduro, and the Chairman of the council, Andrew Ogunsakin, clash over the ownership of a disputed parcel of land.
The conflict, which has triggered protests and community-wide division, centres on Plot LH 114, Oke-Oyinbo Road, a piece of land Aduro claims to have legally purchased.
Aduro: “I’m being victimised for supporting grassroots development”
In a statement issued by his counsel, Brikani Mbeh, Aduro rejected allegations of land grabbing, insisting he acquired the land legitimately from the original Federal Government allottee.
> “I am not a land grabber. I purchased this land legally. My only offence is that I support grassroots development, and some people do not like that,” he said.
Aduro alleged that during a visit to the property with his workers, they were attacked by thugs allegedly linked to the council chairman — a situation he described as “an abuse of power.”
Protests by Hausa community escalate tension
Earlier, members of the Hausa community in Okitipupa staged a protest claiming they were being forcefully evicted from the disputed land at Aduro’s instruction.
But the businessman insists that the protest was politically orchestrated, stating that the property has long been recognised as Federal Government land, not council property.
Council Chairman fires back
Responding to the crisis, Chairman Andrew Ogunsakin accused Aduro of falsifying claims and manipulating security agencies, alleging that the businessman misled the police — a development that prompted his recent invitation to Abuja for questioning.
Aduro’s investments in the community
Despite the dispute, Aduro says he remains committed to developing communities in Okitipupa and Ikale, listing several completed and ongoing projects, including:
Solar-powered community water projects
- An ultra-modern library
- Science and computer laboratories
- Health centres worth over N65 million
- Aduro Farms, valued above N2.5 billion, created to boost jobs and local economic opportunities
He stressed that his intention was to create impact, not conflict.
Legal battle continues
The businessman says he will continue to pursue the matter through lawful means, expressing confidence that “truth will prevail.”
