Ogun Communities Seek Government Intervention as Land Dispute Raises Tension in Ikangba

Indigenes of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan communities in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to the state government to intervene in an escalating land dispute involving alleged land grabbers.

The communities made the call on Friday during a press conference held at the residence of the Baale of Ikangba. They urged the authorities to independently examine the various court judgments being presented by parties to the dispute and determine their authenticity and legal status.

The residents also called on security agencies to investigate alleged threats to the lives of traditional rulers in the affected communities. They specifically appealed to the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force and other relevant agencies to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Olaoluwa Okutubo urged the authorities to prevent security personnel from being used to enforce private claims over disputed land. He also warned against the use of firearms, dangerous weapons and bulldozers on land whose ownership remains subject to dispute.

The communities called for a comprehensive investigation into the history of the disputed land, including ownership records, boundaries, documentary evidence, court judgments and the claims of all parties. They stressed that their demand was aimed at protecting peace and preventing the dispute from developing into a wider security crisis.

The dispute has been before the Ijebu Ode Division of the Ogun State High Court and the Ogun State Multi-Door Court at different times. The community said an earlier case brought against it was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution after the claimant failed to appear in court, while a subsequent suit filed by Ikangba resulted in a favourable judgment for the community in June 2024.

The dispute resurfaced in January 2026 when a group led by Bashiru Thomas claimed ownership of the land on behalf of the Yeye Luwa, Ositekun and Oluweri families of Ita Osun in Ijebu Ode. The group later took the matter to the Ogun State Multi-Door Court, where the parties were directed to pursue settlement.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Olarewaju Ogungbade, SAN, is expected to conduct an independent inquiry into the dispute as part of efforts to maintain peace in the affected communities. The communities have also alleged harassment by policemen from the Obalende Division, Igbeba Area Command and the state police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, including against people who purchased land from Ikangba indigenes.