In a dramatic turn of events, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, the Olu of Obafe in Ogun State, has been suspended for six months over serious allegations of land grabbing.
The decision, announced by the Egba Traditional Council on December 13, 2024, comes after months of tension and failure on the part of the monarch to respond to calls from both the Ogun State House of Assembly and the council’s Ethical Committee.
Oba Owolabi’s troubles began earlier this year when the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly. The association accused him of illegally acquiring land in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area. Despite being invited multiple times to address the accusations, the embattled monarch failed to attend the meetings scheduled for July 8, 10, and 17, 2024.
The suspension was officially confirmed in a letter signed by Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland and President of the Egba Traditional Council. The letter, obtained by our correspondent, outlined the reasons behind the council’s decision and described Oba Owolabi’s actions as “entirely unexpected of anyone who has any claim to being a traditional ruler.”
According to the council, the monarch’s failure to cooperate with investigations left them with no choice but to invoke Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021. The suspension is effective immediately, and Oba Owolabi has been barred from attending any government functions or presenting himself as the Olu of Obafe during the period.
Oba Owolabi’s legal battles had already been in the public eye before this suspension. In October 2024, the traditional ruler faced charges in a Magistrate’s Court in Owode-Egba. The case involves accusations of defrauding one Michael Adeyemi of a staggering ₦75 million and assaulting a police officer. These charges include four counts of felony, fraudulent conversion, and assault, and the case is still ongoing.
The suspension, which also includes the forfeiture of all entitlements, including the monarch’s salary, is seen as a response to the failure of Oba Owolabi to clear his name or cooperate with the authorities. This is not the first time that land-related disputes have sparked controversy in Ogun State. Land grabbing remains a pressing issue in many parts of Nigeria, with numerous traditional leaders being accused of exploiting their positions for personal gain.
The accusations from the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association were first brought to light on January 29, 2024, when they petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly. The community claimed that Oba Owolabi had unlawfully seized land that rightfully belonged to them. Despite several attempts to address the allegations through dialogue and meetings, the monarch reportedly failed to attend the scheduled hearings, further fuelling the controversy.
“Oba Owolabi’s continued refusal to appear before the House of Assembly or the Ethical Committee is a sign of his disregard for the rules that govern traditional institutions,” said a source close to the Egba Traditional Council. “This suspension is a reminder that no one, not even a traditional ruler, is above the law.”
The decision to suspend the monarch has sparked mixed reactions in the local community. While some have expressed support for the council’s actions, viewing it as a necessary step to uphold justice, others believe that the suspension may be politically motivated. Critics argue that the timing of the suspension, shortly after Oba Owolabi’s legal troubles surfaced, raises questions about the true reasons behind the decision.
The suspension of Oba Owolabi has raised concerns about the state of traditional leadership in Ogun State. Traditional rulers hold significant influence in their communities, and the role of a king is often seen as sacred. However, allegations of land grabbing, corruption, and criminal behavior have cast a shadow over the reputation of many monarchs across Nigeria.
“This decision by the Egba Traditional Council sends a strong message to other traditional rulers,” said a political analyst. “It shows that the council is willing to take decisive action against those who abuse their power.”
The suspension could also have broader implications for the relationship between traditional leaders and the state government in Ogun. Traditionally, there has been a delicate balance between the influence of monarchs and the authority of elected officials. With this suspension, the state government may gain more control over traditional institutions, potentially reshaping the political landscape.
As Oba Owolabi faces the suspension, he is expected to focus on resolving the ongoing legal issues. If the charges against him are proven in court, the monarch could face even more severe consequences. However, for now, the suspension has left him sidelined from his royal duties, and his future as the Olu of Obafe is uncertain.
The council has also warned Oba Owolabi not to attend any government functions or present himself as the Olu of Obafe during the suspension period. If the allegations are found to be true, the monarch could face further sanctions or even be removed from office permanently.
This case highlights the challenges faced by traditional rulers in Nigeria, as they navigate the complexities of modern governance while upholding centuries-old traditions. Whether Oba Owolabi will manage to clear his name and restore his position remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the Egba Traditional Council is committed to holding its leaders accountable.
