By BONIFACE AKARAH

A group campaigning against cultism and land grabbing in Nigeria has called on the Ogun State Government to urgently intervene in an alleged land dispute in Itele, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, warning that continued threats against three property owners could lead to bloodshed.

The call was contained in a petition dated August 13, 2026, and addressed to the Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice by the Anti-Cult Activities in Nigeria. Akin Okunowo, National Leader of group, who signed the petition, alleged that the victims had been subjected to threats, extortion, property destruction and attempts to take possession of their land.

Okunowo alleged that the dispute involved three property owners — Oluwaseyitan Taiwo Joseph, Ibitayo Anuoluwapo Joseph and Gbadegesin Abodunrin — who reportedly acquired three plots of land in the Aparadija-Itele area in 2017 and 2021.

According to the petition, the dispute began on July 21, 2024, when alleged land grabbers led by Fatai Asabiyi, Jamiu Asabiyi, Alasunmo Asabiyi and Semiu Adebayo, also known as “Number 1”, allegedly invaded the properties while presenting a court judgment which the petitioners claim did not cover the affected plots.

The petition alleged that the property owners were threatened and forced to pay ?2.5 million, with the alleged invaders warning: “PAY OR WE TAKE YOUR LAND!”

Okunowo further alleged that the men later returned with armed thugs, broke into the premises, demolished fences and uncompleted structures and erected gates on the properties.

He claimed that two of the plots were subsequently sold while another remained under threat of sale.

According to the petitioner, the alleged perpetrators later issued an even more serious threat to the property owners, declaring: “WE WILL KILL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!”

Okunowo said the victims subsequently checked the official Itele land chart and allegedly discovered that the three properties were outside the location covered by the court judgment being relied upon by the men

“The three plots are not even within the location covered by the court judgment they are parading,” the petitioner stated, describing the alleged conduct as fraud, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

He also alleged that the three victims were not the only persons affected by the activities of the suspected land grabbers, saying residents had identified the individuals as being involved in similar disputes within Itele.

The petition called on the Ogun State Government to act before the dispute escalates into violence, warning that citizens could resort to self-help if the authorities failed to intervene.

“Enough is enough of bloodthirsty land grabbers turning Ogun State into a war zone!” Okunowo declared, urging the government to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation.

The petitioner called for the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of the four named individuals and their alleged accomplices under the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law.

He also demanded the restoration of possession to the affected property owners and protection for the victims, their families and representatives, whom he said had been threatened with death.

The petition further asked the Attorney-General and the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Taskforce to investigate the court judgment allegedly being used in the dispute and determine whether it was being misrepresented to unlawfully take possession of properties.

Okunowo said the case should be treated as a test of the government’s resolve to confront land grabbing in the state.

“This is CULTISM WITH TITLE DEEDS. This is TERRORISM WITH FENCING,” he stated, urging the authorities to act before the dispute results in loss of life.

The petitioners are asking the Ogun State Government to intervene urgently in the Itele dispute, investigate the allegations and protect the affected property owners. The allegations contained in the petition remain claims by the petitioner and have not been independently established in the material provided.

For Okunowo, however, the urgency is clear: “Act now before we bury innocent people! Before it is too late to save lives!”

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