The Egba Traditional Council has suspended Oba Taofeek Owolabi, the Olu of Obafemi in Ogun State’s Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, for six months over allegations of land grabbing and misconduct.
The suspension was conveyed in a letter dated December 13, 2024, and signed by Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland and President of the Egba Traditional Council. The decision came after Oba Owolabi repeatedly failed to respond to invitations from the Ogun State House of Assembly and the council’s Ethical Committee.
The monarch’s troubles began on January 29, 2024, when the Agboro-Olatunde Community Development Association petitioned the State Assembly, accusing him of illegal land acquisition. Despite invitations to appear before the Assembly on July 8, 10, and 17 at the Oke-Mosan Assembly Complex, Abeokuta, the traditional ruler failed to attend.
In August, the Ogun State House of Assembly recommended Oba Owolabi’s prosecution and directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside the State Council of Obas, to suspend him over allegations that his actions were disrupting the peace in Agboro-Olatunde village and the state at large.
The Egba Traditional Council invoked Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021 to justify his suspension. The council cited his non-cooperation with its Ethical Committee and pending allegations, including defrauding Michael Adeyemi of ₦75 million and assaulting a police officer.
The letter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, detailed the council’s resolution. It stated:
“On January 29, 2024, the Agboro-Olatunde Community Development Association petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly, accusing you of land grabbing. In a bid to amicably resolve the issues, the Assembly invited you to meetings held on July 8, 10, and 17 at Room 215, Ogun State House of Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan. You failed to appear despite multiple invitations sent to you.”
The council further resolved to suspend Oba Owolabi for six months without pay, with immediate effect starting December 13, 2024.
