Yakoyo Community Petitions IGP Over Alleged Harassment, Forgery by Former CDC Secretary

Leaders of the Yakoyo Area Community Development Committee (CDC) in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, accusing a former community official, Mrs. Bolanle Funmilayo Braimoh-Obaseki, of multiple offenses including threat to life, harassment, forgery, and spreading false information to law enforcement authorities.

In an open letter dated July 6, 2025, signed by CDC Chairman Olanlepekun Okunowo and Secretary Alhaji Ganiyu Bisiriyu, the community leaders urged the police hierarchy in Abuja and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to intervene swiftly and restrain Mrs. Obaseki and alleged land grabbers whom they claim are using her as a front to destabilize the peace and unity of the area.

The letter, also endorsed by CDC Treasurer Bamidele Azeez, claims that Mrs. Obaseki—described as a former CDC secretary and legal adviser—has been working with land speculators to terrorize residents and manipulate the legal system for personal and group gain.

“She parades herself as a barrister without any record of a call to the Nigerian Bar,” the letter asserts, describing her alleged impersonation as part of a broader scheme to intimidate community leaders and influence ongoing legal proceedings.

A Long-Running Dispute Over Land

At the heart of the conflict is a longstanding legal battle over the ownership of large portions of Yakoyo land.

The letter references a pending suit at the Ogun State High Court marked HCF/260/2022, in which members of the community are contesting claims made by external parties believed to be landgrabbers.

The Yakoyo CDC leaders allege that rather than await the court’s decision, these actors have resorted to underhanded tactics, including sponsoring coordinated attacks, manipulating law enforcement, and waging misinformation campaigns.

One of the more serious incidents cited occurred in December 2021, when a man identified as Isaka Azeez allegedly invaded the community with three others, leading to injuries among residents.

The community claims Mrs. Obaseki, despite previously being a victim of such violence, has now aligned herself with disruptive forces.

“She has now turned to an agent of destabilising the community,” the statement said.

Political and Traditional Dimensions

The community further claims that efforts to seek redress through traditional and political channels have been frustrated.

Despite several petitions to the Alake of Egbaland—whose domain includes Yakoyo—as well as to the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Office of the Governor, and Ifo Local Government officials, the CDC says no lasting solution has been found.

The CDC also accused some traditional and political figures of legitimizing the chaos. Olofin Bamgbade, a prominent traditional ruler in the area, is alleged to have rewarded Mrs. Obaseki with a chieftaincy title—Yeye Okin of Isheri—despite the tension surrounding her activities.

In another provocative move, Isaka Azeez reportedly recommended the renaming of Johnson Street in Yakoyo, a symbolic action the community sees as an attempt to erase local history and intimidate opposition.

The letter concluded with a plea for urgent intervention, emphasizing that despite consistent harassment and spurious police invitations, the community remains committed to lawful resistance.

“We have been summoned to Alagbon, Zone 2 and Ojodu Abiodun police station on many occasions based on the same spurious allegations made by Mrs. Obaseki,” it stated.

Widespread Concern Over Land Disputes in Ogun

Land disputes remain a pressing concern in Ogun State, particularly in urban fringe communities like Yakoyo that are increasingly targeted by speculators due to their proximity to Lagos and expanding development potential.

The Ogun State government has in the past set up special task forces and introduced stricter land administration policies in a bid to curb illegal sales and violent takeovers.

Despite these efforts, community groups frequently complain about the activities of land syndicates, who allegedly work in collusion with unscrupulous lawyers, security operatives, and traditional authorities.

The Yakoyo case appears to follow a similar pattern, according to local analysts.As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the Nigerian Police Force to launch a thorough investigation into the allegations.

The Yakoyo community hopes that a prompt and impartial intervention from Abuja will restore peace and allow the ongoing court case to proceed without interference.