The Olu of Makogi Kingdom in Obafemi Owode Local Council of Ogun State, Babatunde Akanni Shonola, has refuted recent allegations that he is involved in land grabbing, cultism, and sponsoring attacks against perceived rivals in the community.

In a statement, the monarch described the allegations as false and politically motivated, orchestrated by individuals unwilling to accept his legitimate emergence as the first crowned king of Makogi Kingdom.

He emphasised that the real issue lies in a protracted kingship and Baaleship dispute, not criminality on his part. Over the past months, several online platforms have alleged that the monarch used police officers and cultists to harass residents, instigated machete attacks, and seized lands unlawfully. However, Oba Shonola dismissed these claims as baseless fabrications aimed at discrediting him and destabilising the peaceful community.

According to him, the recent tension arose when suspected hoodlums, dressed in matching blue outfits, invaded Makogi and began terrorising residents.

“I was shocked. I immediately sent two of my chiefs to monitor the situation. When they returned, they reported that these men, who have always opposed my leadership, were coordinating the hoodlums,” the monarch said.

The royal father added that he promptly addressed a press conference and alerted the state police command. Following his report, he said the Commissioner of Police ordered the SWAT unit to intervene, leading to the arrest of some suspects.

Regarding the land grabbing allegation, Shonola clarified that he was not involved in the illegal sale of community land. Instead, he accused his detractors of selling the land themselves.

“They are the ones who sold 56 acres of land without my knowledge. When the buyer brought the agreement to me, I saw their names, and others. My name was not on any of those documents,” he said, presenting copies of the land agreement to support his claim.

He explained that he only acknowledged the buyer’s right to resell part of the land when approached again, as a matter of fairness and transparency. Shonola traced the root of the unrest to a dispute dating back to 2014, when he was selected to succeed the late Baale.