Ogun monarch sacks 10 Chiefs over Land Sale

The Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, Oba Alexander MacGregor, has dismissed ten chiefs for allegedly selling 1,600 acres of community land in Alagbagba and nearby regions within Ogun State’s Odeda Local Government Area.

The dismissed chiefs include Chief Oluwole Dosunmu, the Oluwo of Ilawo; Chief Abraham Soyoye, the Balogun of Ilawo; and Fatai Sodimu, the Jagunna of Ilawo, along with seven others.

During a press conference at his palace on Saturday, the monarch, joined by other chiefs, voiced his disappointment over the chiefs’ apparent disregard for his authority as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.

He accused the dismissed chiefs of prioritizing their own interests by selling communal land without appropriate authorization, which he asserts is solely his responsibility.

Oba MacGregor stated, “These chiefs have sold over 1,600 acres of land without my consent. They are not acting in the interests of Ilawo; instead, they are involved in illegal sales that undermine our community’s heritage.”

He emphasized the historical importance of the Ilawo throne, noting its existence predates the establishment of Abeokuta.

“The Ilawo throne is ancient, dating back before Abeokuta was founded in 1830. Our community has long been united by shared customs and traditions, and we do not fall under the authority of the Osile of Oke Ona Egba.”

“I am the Olu of Orile Ilawo and the designated authority over all lands associated with Ilawo, whether in Odeda, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Ifo, or Obafemi. Our people have lived in these areas for generations, upholding our customs, and I am tasked with overseeing these lands and their inhabitants,” he declared.

MacGregor asserted that the Osile of Oke Ona does not hold authority over Ilawo, given that Ilawo has its own monarch. He also warned the dismissed chiefs against using titles like Oluwo, Balogun, and Jagunna, as they no longer hold valid recognition under his authority.

He condemned the actions of the dismissed chiefs, stating their behavior undermines the “Omoluabi” values cherished by the Ilawo people.

“I cannot allow the reputation of Ilawo to be compromised by land-grabbing activities,” he remarked.

In response, Chief Oluwole Dosunmu, the Oluwo of Ilawo and spokesperson for the dismissed chiefs, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their actions had community support.

“We have done nothing wrong, and all our actions have had the backing of the community. We possess certificates as recognized chiefs from the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso.”

Dosunmu expressed surprise at the allegations, stating they only learned about them through the media. “We were shocked to hear on the radio that we’ve been accused of selling land in Alagbagba. We have not received any official communication from the monarch regarding these claims.”

He concluded, “I have discussed this with the other chiefs, and we will determine how to respond, whether through a press meeting or a formal statement to clarify our stance.”