Egba Traditional Council Suspends Olu of Obafemi Over Land Grabbing Allegations
The Egba Traditional Council has suspended the Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, for six months without pay, effective immediately.
This decision was made in response to allegations of land grabbing leveled against him by the Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association.
According to the suspension letter, signed by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Odedotun Gbadebo, Oba Owolabi failed to appear before the Ogun State House of Assembly despite multiple invitations to resolve the issue amicably.
The Ethical Committee of the Egba Traditional Council also attempted to mediate the dispute, but to no avail.
The suspension is based on Section 36 (1) and (2) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021, which empowers the Egba Traditional Council to take disciplinary action against traditional rulers who engage in conduct unbecoming of their office.
During the suspension period, Oba Owolabi is barred from attending government functions or presenting himself publicly as the Olu of Obafemi.
The Egba Traditional Council has also notified the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of its decision.
This development comes after the Ogun State House of Assembly had earlier ordered the suspension of Oba Owolabi over the same allegations.
The letter reads “On 29th January 2024, Agboro Olatunde Community Development Association petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly accusing you of land grabbing.
“ In a bid to amicably resolve the issue raised by the petitioners, Ogun State House of Assembly invited you to meetings held on Monday 8th, Wednesday 10th and Wednesday 17th of July 2024 at room 215 Ogun State House of Assembly Complex Oke-Mosan. You failed to appear despite several invitations sent to you.
“The Ethical Committee of the Egba Traditional Council had a session of dialogue with you to no avail.
“In line with section 36 (1) and (2) of Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021 and for conduct entirely unexpected of anyone who has any claim to being a traditional ruler, the Egba Traditional Council at its meeting on Friday 13th December 2024 passed a resolution to suspend you for six months without pay with effect from today.
“You are barred from attending government functions or parading yourself in public as the Olu of Obafemi during the suspension period”, it added.
