The Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, Oba Alexander MacGregor, has dismissed 10 chiefs for allegedly selling 1,600 acres of community land in Alagbagba and surrounding areas within Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Those dismissed include the Oluwo of Ilawo, Chief Oluwole Dosunmu; the Balogun of Ilawo, Chief Abraham Soyoye; and the Jagunna of Ilawo, Fatai Sodimu, along with seven other chiefs.
Addressing journalists on Saturday at his palace, the monarch, accompanied by other chiefs, expressed his dismay over what he described as the chiefs’ disregard for his authority as the Olu of Orile Ilawo.
According to him, the dismissed chiefs had been acting solely in their own interest, selling communal land without proper authorisation from the prescribed authority, which he claims resides solely with him.
Oba MacGregor explained, “These chiefs have been selling land — over 1,600 acres—without my authorisation. They are not representing the interests of Ilawo but rather their own, engaging in illegal land sales that deprive people of their rightful heritage.”
The monarch further highlighted the historical significance of the Ilawo stool, noting that it predates the establishment of Abeokuta.
“The Ilawo stool is ancient, dating back before the formation of Abeokuta in 1830. Ilawo has always been a community united by shared customs and traditions. It is not subordinate to the Osile of Oke Ona Egba.
“I am the Olu of Orile Ilawo kingdom and the prescribed authority over all areas associated with Ilawo, whether in Odeda, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Ifo, or Obafemi. Our people have settled in these areas for generations, observing our customs, and I am responsible for overseeing these lands and their people,” he stated.
MacGregor insisted that the Osile of Oke Ona could not act as the prescribed authority for Ilawo, as Ilawo already had its own monarch.
He also warned the dismissed chiefs to stop using titles such as Oluwo, Balogun, and Jagunna of Ilawo, asserting that they no longer hold legitimate recognition under his authority.
The monarch condemned the actions of the dismissed chiefs, saying their behaviour undermines the “Omoluabi” values of the Ilawo people.
“I cannot stand by and allow the reputation of Ilawo to be tarnished by land-grabbing activities,” he said.
In response, the Oluwo of Ilawo, Chief Oluwole Dosunmu, speaking on behalf of the dismissed chiefs, denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that any actions taken by the chiefs had the full approval of the community.
Dosunmu stated, “We have done nothing wrong, and whatever we have done has community backing. We hold certificates as recognised chiefs from the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso.”
He expressed surprise at the allegations, stating that the chiefs only learned about them through the media. “We were surprised to hear on the radio that we’ve been accused of selling land at Alagbagba. We haven’t received any official communication from the monarch regarding these allegations.”
He concluded, “I have spoken to the other chiefs, and we will decide how to respond, either by holding a meeting with journalists or releasing a statement to clarify our position.”
