The Olu of Obafemi in Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Taofeek Owolabi̇ Kayode has described as false and a deliberate cook up by detractors, the story going the round that he was engaging in land grabbing.
In an interview with our correspondent in his palace over the weekend, Oba Owolabi̇ Kayode maintained that as a first class monarch in Ogun State, he would never embark on moves inimical to the development of his Kingdom.
According to Oba Taofeek Owolabi̇ Kayode, those ascribing the illegal takeover of the Agboro village land to him are bereft of facts saying that the Agboro land had been bought from some families in Agboro some years ago.
But as a royal father that is looking for the development of his domain, when some investors approached me, I called all my subjects to the Palace with all village heads present including the media, we discussed and I volunteered those land that I had already purchased to the investors.
In spite the fact that I already paid for those lands, I told the village heads that they should get in touch with the families again, that we will be ready to compensate them for the lands .
These steps were taken in order to witness accelerated development in Obafemi and not for any pecuniary gain.
As the monarch that oversees Ijeun Egba area of the State, I will not work against the interest of my people.
The monarch vows to settle any misgivings that might have aroused on the matter saying that talks were already ongoing with the group and families involved in Agboro land matter.
Speaking on the allegation of commiting genocide against his people, the first class monarch said it’s unfortunate that people are cooking up lies against him, saying that nothing of such happened in his domain.
I can’t witch hunt anybody, neither would I direct security agency to harass nor intimidate my subjects, it’s abnormal because I can’t rule under the atmosphere of crisis, so all the allegations were mere fabrications. I love my people, they also love me.
No single soul died or was harassed through land matter in Agboro or its environs, the genocide accusation is null , void and a blatant lie concorted to give a dog bad name in order to hang it.
While appreciating the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun in ensuring that there is peace in the State, he commended the State Assembly for the anti land grabbing law that was passed, saying that the gesture has brought sanity to land matters in the State.
