Anger and frustration echoed through the streets of Abeokuta North Local Government Secretariat on Monday morning as residents of Olorunda town in Abeokuta, Ogun State staged a peaceful but resolute protest over what they described as years of persistent interference by Imala leaders in their land and community development projects.
Clad in determined expressions and wielding placards with bold inscriptions such as “Stop Disrupting Olorunda’s Growth,” “Imala Leaders, Respect Our Boundaries,” “Our Land, Our Right,” and “Government Must Act Now,” the protesters voiced their grievances against what they claim is an orchestrated plan to seize their land and stall development in Olorunda.
Leading the protest, Engr. Oluwarotimi Olaegbe, Secretary of Olorunda Descendant Union (ODU), decried what he called an “unrelenting campaign” to undermine Olorunda’s growth by individuals from Imala and its affiliated villages.
“For years, we have endured intimidation and unnecessary interference from the leadership of Imala town. They have tried to take over our land, frustrate our development projects, and even prevent the commissioning of our customary court,” Olaegbe declared, addressing the crowd at the local government premises.
He further lamented that despite multiple peaceful engagements, Imala’s leadership had remained adamant, forcing Olorunda to take to the streets to seek justice.
A Protest Fueled by Longstanding Disputes
The protest was ignited by the recent forceful lock-up of the Grade II Customary Court in Olorunda, a facility slated for commissioning on February 12, 2025, by the President of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice A.O. Femi-Segun.
According to Olaegbe, the move to obstruct the commissioning was led by Hon. Ayoola Oluajo and others from Keesan village, which aligns with Imala town.
“This is not just about the court; this is about our future. They have done this before—blocked our market, stopped our police post, disrupted our projects—everything that would bring development to Olorunda, they have fought against,” he said passionately.
The protesters recounted a series of interferences dating back over a decade, citing multiple incidents where Imala leadership allegedly sabotaged Olorunda’s progress.
In 2013, the construction of a police post approved by the Commissioner of Police was halted. In 2015, the establishment of a Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) office, approved by the Ogun State So Safe Corps Commander, was obstructed. In 2017, Imala leaders reportedly interfered with the reopening of the Olorunda market, which had received clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
In 2019, the commissioning of a Civil Defence office in Olorunda was disrupted by the same individuals. In 2021, the Olorunda Community Development Association faced opposition when trying to reconstruct the customary court building.
Government Steps In, Calls for Calm
The protesters were received by Hon. Taiwo Egbeyemi, Vice Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, who addressed the crowd and assured them that the government would take immediate action to prevent further conflict.
“We understand your concerns, and I can assure you that the local government will not fold its arms while issues like this threaten the peace of our communities. We will look into this matter carefully and ensure that justice is served,” Egbeyemi stated.
He urged the protesters to remain calm while the local government explored resolutions, adding that efforts were already underway to convene a stakeholder meeting involving representatives from both Olorunda and Imala communities.
“We do not want any situation that could lead to a communal clash. Both Olorunda and Imala communities are important to us, and we will ensure that fairness and justice prevail in this dispute,” he added.
Despite the assurances, Olorunda residents insisted that government action must be swift and decisive, warning that continued interference from Imala could escalate tensions beyond control.
“We are not asking for too much. We just want to be left alone to develop our land in peace. We appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun and all relevant authorities to step in and ensure that the leadership of Imala town respects our boundaries,” said another resident, Mr. Akinlade Alaba.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a response from Imala’s leadership had been unsuccessful. However, sources within the local government hinted that plans were underway for a high-level stakeholder meeting to resolve the matter.
