By Lukman Olabiyi
Stakeholders in Agege Local Government (LG) have expressed disapproval over a land dispute involving the council and former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Edward Ayo-Odugbesan, and his wife, concerning a property at 47 Old Ogba Road.
The land, which previously housed the now-demolished Edwards Private School, has become the focal point of a legal and public battle over ownership.
The stakeholders, including traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, religious figures, and former council chairmen, publicly rebuked the Ayo-Odugbesans for their actions in the matter.
At a press conference held yesterday, Alhaji Owolabi Dada, the pioneer chairman of Agege LG, accused the couple of presenting fraudulent documents—specifically a survey plan and a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to back their claim of ownership.
The stakeholders emphasised that the conflict is not a personal dispute between the council chairman and the Ayo-Odugbesans but a broader issue concerning the rights of Agege residents.
They vowed to stand firm against any attempt by the couple to intimidate local government officials or undermine the community.
While recognizing the Ayo-Odugbesans’ right to seek legal redress for the demolition of their school, the stakeholders condemned their use of intimidation, self-help tactics, and blackmail, particularly targeting Agege LG Executive Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi.
They commended Egunjobi for his steadfast defense of the community’s interests and his refusal to bow to pressure over the land.
The stakeholders called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector General of Police to monitor the situation closely and ensure that the police, as well as anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, do not facilitate the harassment or intimidation of Agege council officials.
They urged the Ayo-Odugbesans to allow the legal process to take its course and respect the court’s role in resolving the dispute.