Residents of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan communities in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have renewed their protest over alleged land grabbing.

The residents marched through their communities on Friday. It was their second protest in less than a month.

They carried placards and called for urgent action from the Ogun State Government and security agencies. Some of the placards urged Governor Dapo Abiodun and President Bola Tinubu to protect their ancestral lands.

The residents accused alleged land grabbers of bringing bulldozers into the communities. They said the machines destroyed buildings, farmlands and other properties.

They also accused the alleged land grabbers of intimidating residents who challenged their activities.

The communities further claimed that some of the individuals operated with security escorts. They called on the authorities to investigate the allegation.

Communities Reject Link to Traditional Ruler

The dispute has also sparked controversy over the role of the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido.

The communities rejected reports linking the traditional ruler to the alleged land-grabbing activities. They described the reports as false.

According to the residents, Oba Okuribido comes from one of the affected communities. They said he had supported their efforts to resist the alleged land grabbers.

The communities also questioned the identities of people who claimed to represent Ikangba in a recent online publication. They said the individuals were not recognised as established indigenes or long-term residents.

Residents Seek Investigation

The residents said the dispute had continued despite an earlier intervention by the Ogun State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN.

They want the government to carry out an impartial investigation. They also want officials to establish the ownership history and legal status of the disputed land.

The communities called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force to investigate all parties.

They want authorities to examine land documents, court judgments, boundaries and other evidence connected to the dispute.

Professor Ayodeji Gafar spoke at a press briefing after Friday’s protest. He said the communities considered the report linking Oba Okuribido to the dispute unfair.

Gafar said the communities wanted transparency over the ownership claims. He also said the dispute should not lead to confrontation.

Bulldozers Allegedly Return Despite Police Directive

Gafar said the communities returned to the streets because alleged land-grabbing activities continued.

He said Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni had directed both sides to maintain the status quo. The directive was to remain in place while authorities worked to resolve the dispute.

However, Gafar said residents later reported the return of bulldozers to disputed areas.

He alleged that the machines continued to clear farmlands and destroy structures.

The communities also raised concerns about unidentified people and unmarked security vehicles in the area.

They further alleged that some individuals carried guns, cutlasses and other weapons. Gafar called for an investigation to establish whether the allegations were true.

Leaders Appeal for Government Intervention

The Baale of Ikangba, Chief Joseph Adebanjo, also condemned the alleged activities.

Chief Adeniyi Oduneye, the Alase Yemule of Ikangba, joined the call for government action.

Alhaji Surajudeen Raji represented the Baale of Agoro. Chief Olusesi Isiaka represented the Baale of Imodi.

The community leaders appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu, the police and DSS to investigate the dispute.

They warned that continued tension could threaten peace in the affected communities.

Land Disputes Raise Housing Concerns

The dispute also highlights the importance of secure land ownership in Nigeria’s property market.

Clear land records help residents, developers and investors establish ownership before they build or invest. Disputes over ownership can delay housing projects and create risks for property owners.

Unclear boundaries can also affect construction and infrastructure development. For this reason, land administration remains an important part of Nigeria’s housing and real estate sector.

The affected communities are now asking the government to establish the legitimate ownership claims and protect peace in Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan.

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