…Vendor testimonies, chiefs’ demarcation strengthen Ajibola’s claim
…Parties urged to comply as traditional leaders move to restore peace
A Traditional Arbitration Panel constituted under the authority of Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo II has ruled against the land ownership claims of Honourable Lateef Adekunle Ajayi, popularly known as Lati Iyana, describing them as materially inconsistent, while affirming the position of businessman Johnson Akindele Ajibola, also known as Young Agro.
The verdict followed a protracted dispute over a parcel of land at Imo Emulu Village in Owode Egba, Ogun State, which had generated tension within the community.
Delivering the decision after proceedings held on April 13, 2026, at the palace of the Olu of Owode Egba, the sole arbitrator, High Chief Bode Mustapha, said the panel’s findings were based on a thorough review of oral testimonies, documentary evidence and admissions by both parties.
The panel, comprising nine chiefs, community leaders and religious figures, relied significantly on corroborated testimonies from vendor families and the authority of a prior land demarcation carried out by the Imo Emulu Village Council of Chiefs.
At the heart of the dispute was a contested expanse of land for which both Ajibola and Ajayi had laid claim, a situation that escalated tensions and threatened public peace in the area.
Background to the case showed that the disagreement had lingered for years, marked by allegations, counter-allegations and exchanges on social media. Initial efforts by the Olu of Owode-in-Council to mediate failed, prompting escalation to the Alake for a more authoritative intervention.
In his submissions, Ajibola maintained that he legitimately acquired the land from recognised landowning families in Imo Emulu Village, with the knowledge and endorsement of the Council of Chiefs. He presented executed documents and disclosed steps to perfect his title with the state government.
Central to his claim was a community-backed demarcation that divided the land into defined portions using Imo Emulu Junction as a reference point. Under the arrangement, the portion to the left of the junction from the expressway was allocated to him, while the right side was designated for Ajayi.
Ajibola argued that the disputed land falls within his allocated portion, a claim supported by testimonies from vendor families, confirmation by the Baale of Imo Emulu Village, and documentation issued by the Council of Chiefs.
He also accused Ajayi of repeated trespass and referenced previous disputes involving neighbouring communities.
In contrast, Ajayi claimed to have purchased about 60 acres from a family that did not appear before the panel. Although he presented copies of agreements, they were not formally tendered as evidence.
Further weakening his case, claims of payments allegedly made to a third party were contradicted during verification, as the individual denied any involvement with land in Imo Emulu Village, stating that his dealings related to a separate matter in Osoba Village.
Ajayi also admitted under questioning that he did not own a seven-acre portion for which he had purportedly entered into an agreement with the Council of Chiefs.
The panel noted that his acquisitions were fragmented and sourced from individuals and families who neither appeared nor provided supporting testimony.
In resolving the matter, the panel framed the central issue as whether either party could validly claim ownership over land allocated to the other under the community’s established demarcation.
The arbitrator held that the Council of Chiefs had validly allocated distinct portions of land to both parties and that the demarcation using Imo Emulu Junction remains binding.
The panel concluded that any overlapping claims arose from transactions conducted outside the recognised boundaries.
While affirming Ajibola’s ownership as substantially supported by credible evidence, the panel ruled that Ajayi’s claims were undermined by inconsistencies, lack of verifiable documentation and admissions against interest.
The decision, grounded in customary law and equity, emphasised the need to preserve peace and stability within Imo Emulu Village and the wider Egbaland.
Dated April 13, 2026, the ruling was witnessed by Oba Kolawole Sowemimo and endorsed by several chiefs, religious leaders and community representatives.
The panel urged both parties to comply fully with its decision as traditional authorities move to restore calm in the community.
Observers say the outcome highlights the enduring role of traditional institutions in land governance and dispute resolution, particularly in areas where customary practices intersect with formal legal systems.
