Ogun justice commissioner petitioned over alleged task force interference in land dispute

.Promises to investigate

The Baale of Moro community in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Rafiu Amusa, has petitioned the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, over alleged interference in a land dispute by operatives of the state task force on Illegalities and Anti-Land Grabbing.

Amusa, in the petition, filed through his counsel, David O. Folalu, accused the task force of supporting the defendants in Suit No. HCL/53/26, despite the matter being before a competent court.

The petitioner alleged that the leadership had aided two individuals in a dispute over land at Moro Village, near Ilaro.

The petition, dated October 7, 2026, stated that the claimants were the customary owners of the land, as the suit seeks a declaration of title, forfeiture of customary tenancy, possession and a perpetual injunction against the defendants.

The defendants, according to the petition, were served with the court processes but failed to respond, allegedly resorting to self-help by engaging the task force.

The claimants’ counsel said he had notified the task force of the pending suit in a letter dated September 30, urging it to refrain from actions capable of undermining the judicial process. The letter was also copied to the Attorney General’s office.

However, the petition alleged that on October 3, led task force operatives, members of the Agbekoya security network and police officers to the land, where they allegedly ordered tenants and other occupants to vacate, claiming to be enforcing an order of possession in favour of the defendants.

The operatives were also accused of threatening to return and demolish developed properties on the land, including residential buildings and churches.

The petitioner described the alleged actions as a violation of the rule of law and an abuse of office.

Amusa further warned that the dispute could trigger a violent confrontation between the families involved if urgent steps were not taken to prevent an escalation.

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He urged the Attorney General to direct the task force to stop further action on the disputed land, investigate officers allegedly involved, and take measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The petition was also copied to the task force commander and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police.

Reacting, Ogungbade said he could not immediately confirm whether his office had received the petition but assured that the allegations would be examined if it had been submitted in the past few days.

The commissioner, however, praised the task force’s performance, saying it had helped many people recover their land and protect their properties from land grabbers.

He added that complaints against the agency would be investigated and urged the petitioners to trust the system to address their concerns.