Over Sales of Community Land: Olu of Orile-Ilawo Sacks Ten Traditional Chiefs

By Miracle Okoro

 
 Oba Professor Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, Olu Of Orile-Ilawo has formally dismissed ten chiefs in his domain, accusing them of unauthorized land sales and gross misconduct.

The monarch specifically disowned three prominent chiefs – the Oluwo of Ilawo, Chief Oluwole Dosunmu; the Balogun of Ilawo, Chief Abraham Soyoye; and the Jagunna of Ilawo, Fatai Sodimu – along with seven others, alleging that their actions have undermined the community’s integrity.

Addressing journalists at a press conference held in his palace, Oba MacGregor detailed a series of grievances against the dismissed chiefs, whom he accused of illegally selling community land while falsely presenting themselves as recognized authorities within Ilawo.

According to Oba MacGregor, these individuals have taken advantage of their claimed titles to engage in unauthorized land transactions, allegedly selling over 700 acres without official approval.

The monarch criticized the actions of these “self-proclaimed chiefs” for using the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, as a protective shield, a move he said disregards the authority of the Olu of Orile Ilawo, who holds the legitimate leadership over the community.

“These so-called chiefs do not have my authorization; they do not represent Ilawo or its interests.

Their actions serve only their selfish interests in illegally dispossessing our people of their land,” Oba MacGregor said, underscoring his position as the sole prescribed authority over Ilawo.

Providing historical context, the monarch highlighted the ancient roots of the Ilawo stool, which he said has existed long before its re-establishment during the administration of former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

He clarified that Ilawo’s leadership is not subordinate to the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, emphasizing that his domain covers a range of settlements, including areas in Odeda, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Ifo, and Obafemi, where Ilawo customs and traditions are practiced.

“Our stool is an ancient one, representing the original migration of our people to this region. Ilawo existed long before the province of Abeokuta was formed in 1830.

“We are not speaking about recent settlers; we are talking about a lineage that has existed for centuries,” Oba MacGregor asserted.

He warned Dosunmu, Soyoye, and Sodimu to cease identifying themselves with the titles of Oluwo, Balogun, and Jagunna of Ilawo, respectively, stressing that they lack recognition from the legitimate authority of the Olu of Orile Ilawo.

The monarch further described their actions as a betrayal of Ilawo’s values and an affront to the community’s tradition of integrity, known as the Omoluabi ethos.

Oba MacGregor expressed his commitment to protecting Ilawo’s reputation against land-grabbing practices, pledging not to allow the actions of a few individuals to tarnish the image of the community’s industrious and respected people.