Residents of Ajiregun and 11 other surrounding villages in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised the alarm over alleged violent land grabs, appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and restore peace.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Adesanya Omotayo accused a man identified as Kamoru Lamina, also known as Sir Kay Oluwo, of orchestrating widespread land seizure, intimidation, and violent attacks on landowners.

“I represent Ajiregun and about 12 villages. We are suffering. This man has been disturbing landowners, especially elderly people, since last year. He has mounted boys to harass, beat, and even kill people,” Omotayo alleged. She further claimed that several residents are receiving medical treatment due to attacks linked to the ongoing land dispute.

“Almost all the land has been grabbed. People cannot return to their villages or farms. We live in fear,” she added.

Omotayo also highlighted that legally purchased land, including plots owned by organised groups such as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Sagamu, has been affected. “There is a representative of NUT here, Mr. Biodun Oriyomi. They bought land, but this same man has taken over it. Nobody can go to their farm anymore,” she said.

One alleged victim, Oladipupo Orunmoku, recounted a violent attack by armed men linked to the suspect. “Some of his boys came to our land. They were about 60 and fully armed. They shot me, but God saved my life,” he stated.

The communities have called on key authorities, including Governor Abiodun, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Oladisi Elemide, and the Akarigbo of Remo Land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, to take urgent action.

Reacting, the Akarigbo of Remo Land, through the Lisa of Ofin in Remo, Chief Adeyemi Salami, acknowledged that land grabbing is a growing problem affecting livelihoods. “People cannot go to their farms or markets. If farming is their livelihood, how can they survive? The palace is not folding its arms; we are taking action, even up to the House of Assembly,” Chief Salami said.

He added that formal complaints and relevant documents are being compiled for submission to the state government for decisive intervention. “The power to execute law on land grabbers rests with the governor. We cannot do it from here alone. The complaint will be forwarded to the governor,” he affirmed.

The situation underscores rising tensions over land ownership in Sagamu, with residents urging swift government action to restore peace and protect lawful landowners.