Tension as estate firm fences Ogun communities

There was palpable tension in six communities of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State over an alleged invasion and hijack of about 300 hectares of land by a real estate company identified as Megamound Limited.

The residents expressed worry that the real estate firm’s officials stormed the communities and began construction of fences around the villages in a bid to take over the 300 hectares of land.

The communities, Idita, Agba, Ejire, Arowa, Olubo and Alako Erigboro, are located at the outskirts of Abeokuta, the state capital.

The worried residents embarked on demonstration, barricaded the entrance and exit of the community, and set up a bonfire to stop the alleged invaders from accessing the lands.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, the Oluwo Ijemo/ Aro of Egba, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, said “they erected fences around the six villages without any court order. They blocked people from accessing their homes.

“We want the invaders to leave our land, we did not sell any land to them so they should stop harassing us with Nigeria Police.”

The demonstrators also took their agitation to the Palace of the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

The Alake, thereafter organised a meeting with the aggrieved residents who included the baales, homeowners, youths and the owner of Megamond Real estate company, Olumide Osunsina.

At the meeting, Osunsina claimed he bought the land from the state government about 16 years ago and has been issued the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO).

He added that the Alako-Alagbe villagers who claimed to be the owner of the communities were compensated.

He however appealed to the communities to list their demands.