Ogun monarchy requests Lagos assistance in resolving property dispute

The Isiki Royal Family of Osi Quarters, Ota, Ogun State, has submitted a petition to the Lagos State government, citing alleged incidents of trespass, forceful entry, and land grabbing on a large tract of family-owned land situated along Old Ota Road in the Alagbado area of Lagos.

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High Chief B.A. Osunlabu, the Head of the Family, and Chief Kamorudeen Olaonipekun, the Baale of Ilapo, via AIT Road, Alagbado, Lagos, led the family in filing the petition, which was dated May 15, 2026, and addressed to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

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The petition, prepared by Shalinks Legal Practitioners on behalf of the family, expressed concern that the unlawful invasion of their land by armed individuals could lead to a breach of peace if not promptly addressed by the government.

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According to the solicitors, the disputed land, known as the "Isiki/Ilapo Family Land," is located along Old Ota Road, Alagbado, within the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, and has been owned by the family's forefather, Isiki Odejo, for multiple generations under Yoruba native law and custom.

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The family claimed to have maintained uninterrupted ownership and possession of the property for centuries, prior to the recent alleged invasion, with the petition stating that they had exercised control over the land without interruption.

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The solicitors alleged that certain individuals, accompanied by armed men, entered the land, posted "Public Notice" and "Keep Off" signs, and asserted that the land was part of their property, which allegedly extends from "Papa Lanto" in Ogun State into Lagos.

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Those accused of invading the land allegedly threatened to evict occupants, including long-standing schools, churches, mosques, shops, and companies, with the family maintaining that they had no prior knowledge of the accused individuals or their purported claim to the property.

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The petitioners urged the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers to promptly investigate the matter and halt all activities allegedly being carried out on the land, while also requesting that the authorities prevent further entry onto the property.

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The family also requested that those allegedly involved be arrested and prosecuted under the Lagos State Properties Protection Law of 2016, and that peaceful possession of the land be restored to the family.

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The solicitors cautioned that failure to swiftly address the matter could result in a breakdown of law and order in the area, emphasizing that their clients were willing to cooperate fully with investigators by providing all necessary documents and information.