…Businessman, Councillor Trade Accusations
….Ajayi denies fencing public road
….House Committee orders halt to construction pending investigation
A land and access road dispute in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State has triggered official intervention, as a businessman and CEO of Young Agro’s Homes and Properties Limited, Mr. Ajibola Johnson, cleared his position on the allegations that he was instrumental to the travails of a councillor, Honourable Adekunle Ajayi Lateef, accused of blocking a public road linking several villages.
The controversy was brought before the Ogun State House of Assembly following petitions from residents and indegenes of about seven villages affected by the blockage.
The indegenes alleged obstruction of a public road, harassment of residents, and actions affecting community access to schools, farms, and local markets.
In response, the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Environment conducted an on-the-spot inspection of the disputed location to assess the claims and determine compliance with the state’s planning regulations.
The inspection team, led by Hon. Samsideen Lawal, visited the site on Tuesday, where the committee reaffirmed that no private construction should obstruct a community access route.
Hon. Lawal directed the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to enforce immediate compliance, stating that the road linking Eredo-Alase, Itoku, Lologe, Alawonla, Ilepe, Okuyigba, and neighbouring villages must remain accessible.
“We are directing a stop-work order on the controversial fencing until investigations are concluded,” Lawal said. “No person or company is permitted to block a community road, regardless of status or influence.”
He added that the Assembly would continue monitoring the situation and urged authorities to maintain order. “This access route must not be compromised. We expect total compliance,” he added.
The committee also cautioned against alleged intimidation of residents. “There must be no use of thugs or harassment while this matter is being reviewed,” Lawal stated.
The accusations were originally filed by the villagers, who claimed that the road closure had affected movement and daily activities in the affected villages.
Reacting to the allegations that CEO of Young Agro’s Homes and Properties Limited, Mr. Ajibola Johnson was instrumental to his travails, Mr Johnson said “Adekunle Ajayi is being economical with the truth,” “The road leading to seven villages is blocked. He should face reality and stop maligning my character.”
Johnson distanced the matter from politics, stressing that his concern was community welfare. “This is not a political matter. I am not a politician. I don’t belong to any party. This is about people’s right to move freely,” he said.
He also listed contributions he said he had made to the area. “Wherever I invest, I support communities with projects like transformers and boreholes. People should benefit from leadership, not suffer,” he added.
However, Councillor Adekunle Ajayi strongly denied the allegations, describing them as misleading and motivated by rivalry rather than facts.
In a statement issued after the inspection, Ajayi said: “I did not fence or obstruct any public road. The narrative being circulated is a distortion of facts. I remain committed to peace and due process.”
Ajayi insisted the House Committee’s visit did not confirm wrongdoing. “It was routine legislative oversight. At no point did they declare that I blocked a road,” he said.
He further alleged that the petition was fueled by competition. “This report is driven by business rivalry. It is an attempt to tarnish my image and disregard my contributions to Obafemi-Owode,” he claimed.
Community leaders expressed concern about the situation, urging government authorities to step in and protect access routes serving thousands of residents.
The Baale of Imo-Emulu, Mr. Mujaidu Balogun, confirmed that Johnson had supported his community, stating: “He provided us with a borehole and water tank after acquiring land here. We only want the road to remain open.”
Corroborating the appeal, the Baale of Olorunsogo, Mr. Jamiu Oso, said: “We are not against development, but the road must not be blocked.
The government should help us maintain peace.”
With both sides maintaining their positions, the Ogun State House of Assembly has directed the local government chairman, Commissioner of Police, and Physical Planning authorities to enforce compliance while the matter undergoes further investigation.
Meanwhile, residents of the Seven Villages have thanked the State government for the intervention in the crisis by restoring the access roads to their villages.
In a viral video seen by Our Correspondent, the villagers were seen jubilating after the State government removed the blockage to the access roads.
