Metro

Ogun Monarch Sacks 10 Chiefs Over Land Sale

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2024

Editor

The Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, Oba Alexander MacGregor, has dismissed 10 chiefs for allegedly selling 1,600 acres of community land in Alagbagba and surrounding areas within Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

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

Addressing journalists on Saturday at his palace, the monarch, accompanied by other chiefs, expressed his dismay over what he described as the chiefs’ disregard for his authority as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.

According to him, the dismissed chiefs had been acting solely in their own interest, selling communal land without proper authorisation from the prescribed authority, which he claims resides solely with him.

Oba MacGregor explained, “These chiefs have been selling land — over 1,600 acres—without my authorisation. They are not representing the interests of Ilawo but rather their own, engaging in illegal land sales that deprive people of their rightful heritage.”

The monarch further highlighted the historical significance of the Ilawo stool, noting that it predates the establishment of Abeokuta.

“The Ilawo stool is ancient, dating back before the formation of Abeokuta in 1830. Ilawo has always been a community united by shared customs and traditions. It is not subordinate to the Osile of Oke Ona Egba.

“I am the Olu of Orile Ilawo kingdom and the prescribed authority over all areas associated with Ilawo, whether in Odeda, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Ifo, or Obafemi. Our people have settled in these areas for generations, observing our customs, and I am responsible for overseeing these lands and their people,” he stated.

He also warned the dismissed chiefs to stop using titles such as Oluwo, Balogun, and Jagunna of Ilawo, asserting that they no longer hold legitimate recognition under his authority.

The monarch condemned the actions of the dismissed chiefs, saying their behaviour undermines the “Omoluabi” values of the Ilawo people.

“I cannot stand by and allow the reputation of Ilawo to be tarnished by land-grabbing activities,” he said.

In response, the Oluwo of Ilawo, Chief Oluwole Dosunmu, speaking on behalf of the dismissed chiefs, denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that any actions taken by the chiefs had the full approval of the community.

Dosunmu stated, “We have done nothing wrong, and whatever we have done has community backing. We hold certificates as recognised chiefs from the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso.”

He expressed surprise at the allegations, stating that the chiefs only learned about them through the media. “We were surprised to hear on the radio that we’ve been accused of selling land at Alagbagba. We haven’t received any official communication from the monarch regarding these allegations.”

He concluded, “I have spoken to the other chiefs, and we will decide how to respond, either by holding a meeting with journalists or releasing a statement to clarify our position.”

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

8 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.