The Egba Traditional Council has suspended the Olu of Obafe in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, for six months over allegations of land grabbing.
The suspension was announced in a letter dated December 13, 2024, signed by the Alake of Egbaland and President of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. The letter, obtained on Tuesday, explained that the decision followed Oba Owolabi’s refusal to honour invitations to address the allegations.
The trouble began on January 29, 2024, when the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association accused the monarch of illegal land acquisition in a petition to the Ogun State House of Assembly. The Assembly scheduled meetings for July 8, 10, and 17 at the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta to discuss the matter, but Oba Owolabi reportedly failed to attend.
In October, the traditional ruler was also arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Owode-Egba. He was charged with defrauding one Michael Adeyemi of ₦75 million and assaulting a police officer. The case, which includes charges of felony, fraudulent conversion, and assault, is still ongoing.
The Egba Traditional Council explained that Oba Owolabi’s failure to cooperate with its Ethical Committee forced them to take action. Referring to Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021, the council suspended him for six months without pay.
Part of the letter read, *“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 raised, the House of 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 several invitations sent to you.”*
The council also described the monarch’s conduct as unacceptable, saying:
“The Ethical Committee of the Egba Traditional Council held a session of dialogue with you to no avail. In line with Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021, and for conduct entirely unexpected of anyone who has any claim to being a traditional ruler, the council passed a resolution to suspend you for six months without pay, effective December 13, 2024.”
During the suspension, Oba Owolabi is barred from attending government functions or presenting himself publicly as the Olu of Obafe. He will also forfeit all entitlements, including his salary.
The letter further notified the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, of the council’s decision.
The council warned that the monarch must comply fully with the suspension conditions.
