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By Lukman Olabiyi
Community leaders in Agege Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State, have petitioned Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) incharge of Zone 2 Command, the State House of Assembly, and other relevant authorities to investigate the alleged land-grabbing activities of former Ogun State Deputy Speaker, Edwards Ayo-Odugbesan, and his wife, Mrs. Funmi Ayo-Odugbesan.
The petitioners have also appealed to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where the couple worships, to look into the matter.
The dispute centers on a property at No. 47 Old Ogba Road, Lagos, which the community leaders claimed belongs to Agege Local Government.
They raised concerns about the couple’s attempts to claim ownership of the land, allegedly using both legal and illegal tactics.
The petition, dated December 3,2024, was signed by several prominent figures, including the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Isiba; the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Lateef Egbeyemi; former chairmen of Agege LGA, Chief Owolabi Dada and Elder Rotimi Adeshina; and others.
The leaders alleged that the Ayo-Odugbesans fraudulently obtained a title document for a different land and used it to build on the disputed property, despite the Agege Local Government’s proof of ownership.
But an aid to the Ayo-Odugbesans,who spoke on the condition of anonymity told our correspondent that the couple are responsible citizens who could defend themselves anywhere.
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According to them, the land in question is part of a survey plan that includes the area surrounding the demolished MKO Abiola Market, which is being redeveloped through a public-private partnership.
In response to the issue, the Agege Local Government recently demolished a private school illegally built by the Ayo-Odugbesans on the disputed land to make way for the market development.
The petition also highlighted reports suggesting that the couple has taken the council to court, but has allegedly used their influence over law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to harass Agege council officials, particularly the current chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi.
This, they claim, is an attempt to intimidate him into surrendering control of the land.
In their letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the community leaders called for a thorough investigation into the title documents presented by both the Ayo-Odugbesans and Agege Local Government, to establish the rightful owner of the land.
They also requested that security officers allegedly acting under the couple’s influence be restrained from interfering in the matter.
The leaders have urged that the issue be addressed swiftly to prevent further escalation and to ensure the peace and stability of Agege Local Government.
