The Ogun State Government has arraigned the suspended Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, before Justice Sunday Adeniyi of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta, on multiple charges linked to land grabbing and assault.

According to a statement issued Wednesday by the Ministry of Justice, Oba Owolabi, a member of the Egba Traditional Council, faces a seven-count charge including conspiracy to sell property without authority, unlawful sale and use of agents, forceful land takeover, assault of a police officer, and obtaining money under false pretence.

The embattled monarch allegedly laid claim to 500 acres of land in Obafemi Owode and collected N75 million from a developer, Dr. Michael Adeyemi, under the false representation of ownership.

“Oba Owolabi never remitted the sum to the landholding families and also placed thugs on the land who macheted one individual, while he attacked an officer from the state task force against land grabbing,” the statement read.

Despite being summoned by the Ogun State House of Assembly in July 2024, Oba Owolabi failed to appear, choosing instead to file two lawsuits, both of which were later withdrawn. The Ministry noted that he also defied invitations from the Egba Traditional Council, leading to his suspension on December 13, 2024.

“Oba Owolabi conducted himself in a manner entirely unexpected of a traditional ruler,” the statement emphasized, noting the suspension remains active.

The Ministry affirmed its commitment to pursuing the case: “We will resist all land grabbers, no matter how highly placed they appear to be.”

Oba Owolabi has perfected his bail conditions, but the trial is ongoing.