By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Demolished house |
ADO-ODO/OTA, OGUN STATE – Residents of Okanran and 47 other Ogu-speaking communities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area have issued a frantic "Save Our Souls" (SOS) appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Federal Government. The embattled inhabitants are alleging a sustained campaign of terror and illegal land dispossession led by suspected land grabbers.
The affected communities, whose ancestral ties to the land span over five generations, claim they are being forcefully evicted and intimidated by a group allegedly led by Mr. Jaiyeola Jimoh Togun of the Akapo family.
The tension reportedly stems from a 1,200-hectare land claim based on a controversial gazette purportedly issued during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel. However, community leaders maintain that the claim is fraudulent and built on a misinterpretation of a Supreme Court ruling, which they say addressed a chieftaincy dispute within a single family, not land ownership.
Chief Akinyanmi Elijah, the Baale-elect of the community, painted a grim picture of life under siege. He alleged that armed thugs frequently invade their villages, assaulting residents and destroying property to create an atmosphere of fear.
"This violence has crippled our primary livelihoods farming and trading," Chief Elijah stated. "Our people are living in constant terror, and the presence of these armed men is destroying the peace we have known for decades."
The land crisis has exacerbated years of systemic neglect in the Okanran axis. Residents decried the total absence of basic amenities, including motorable roads, electricity, and healthcare facilities.
A particularly heart-wrenching account was shared by Chief Ojo Agen, who recalled a 2011 incident involving the killing of a young man near a primary school. The tragedy led to the withdrawal of pupils and the eventual collapse of the only public school in the area, forcing local children to travel to neighbouring communities for basic education.
The dispute is currently before the Ogun State High Court, following a series of failed resolutions. While a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2011 to delineate boundaries, residents allege the Akapo family has reneged on the agreement.
Efforts to seek judicial relief saw the parties appear before a Customary Court in November 2025, but the Okanran communities escalated the case for proper adjudication. Despite a court order of perpetual injunction restraining further encroachment, residents allege that the attacks have continued unabated.
Furthermore, community leaders accused some officials within the Bureau of Lands and Survey of complicity, alleging they are facilitating the illegal appropriation of community land through falsified documentation.
The residents of the 48 affected communities including Okanran Balogun Tafin, Okanran Saviekoh, Okanran Ziviekoh, and Okanran Whezumeh, among others are calling for: An immediate investigation into the activities of Mr. Jaiyeola Jimoh Togun and his associates. The revocation of any disputed gazettes used to justify land seizures. A stakeholder meeting convened by the State Government to restore permanent peace.