• Monarch denies allegation
The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has petitioned the Osun State Government, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to launch an independent investigation into alleged violence, displacement, and illegal land transactions causing unrest in the Wakajaye community of Osun State.
In separate petitions signed by HURMA’s Executive Director, Buna Olaitan, the rights group accused the traditional ruler of the community, the Olu of Wakajaye, Oba Titus Adeleke, of criminal activities, human rights abuses, and acts tantamount to crimes against an elderly blind farmer, Mr Gabriel Amusan, who was allegedly displaced from his ancestral land and residence.
However, in a swift response, the monarch denied any involvement in the matter. Speaking to The Guardian on the phone, he confirmed knowing the family and the land in question but denied collaborating with any individual or thugs to torment them.
Oba Adeleke said, “I don’t know anything about this case. Since 1975, when a judgment was issued on this land, I hadn’t assumed this throne at that period; I assumed the throne in 1981. The land grabbers have approached me, asking that I seize the land, but I told them that if the owners go to court and win, they will label me a rebellious king. I have never been to this land in contention. I don’t have any hand in the case, and I am neither backing the land grabbers nor the affected family.”
HURMA alleged that the acts were perpetrated by the monarch through coordinated attacks carried out by his accomplices in collaboration with other individuals.
Olaitan said: “Our investigation reveals that Amusan, an elderly blind farmer and head of the Amusan (Banjogbin) section of the Okunremi family in Wakajaye, has been violently displaced from his ancestral land and residence through coordinated attacks allegedly sponsored and supported by Oba Adeleke.
“The land in question is the subject of a pending civil suit at the Odeomu High Court (Suit No: HOD/18/2025: Gabriel Amusan & Anor vs Janet Olatunbosun & Ors). Despite the matter being sub judice, Oba Adeleke, in flagrant disregard of judicial authority, has allegedly empowered thugs to intimidate and forcibly evict the Amusan family.”
“Armed individuals, reportedly recruited from Modakeke, have taken over the disputed farmland. They are selling off parcels of land using illegal receipts issued from the palace of the Olu of Wakajaye.”
Olaitan further stated that in a deeply disturbing development, a dead body was recently discovered floating in a river in Wakajaye, believed to be one of the victims of the wave of orchestrated violence, lending credence to reports of murder and attempted murder under the guise of land disputes.
As a result of these alleged acts, Olaitan said, Amusan and his entire family have fled their home and gone into hiding, living in fear for their lives. He added that Amusan’s son, who was scheduled to proceed on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, has been forced to remain behind to care for his blind father, compounding their distress and suffering.
“Given the severity of the allegations and the evidence of abuse of office, criminal complicity, and disregard for the rule of law, we respectfully urge Your Excellency, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to immediately initiate the process for the deposition of Oba Adeleke in accordance with the Chiefs Law of Osun State and other relevant legal instruments.
“The continued reign of Oba Adeleke under these circumstances undermines public confidence in traditional institutions, encourages lawlessness and impunity, threatens the safety and security of law-abiding citizens, especially vulnerable persons like the blind and elderly, and violates the sanctity of our judicial system.”
HURMA also called for an immediate investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Osun State Police Command into the activities of the monarch and his alleged collaborators; the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the alleged murder, land racketeering, and violent displacement of citizens; the deployment of security personnel to protect the displaced Amusan family and facilitate their return home; and the monitoring of all traditional rulers in Osun State to prevent the abuse of traditional titles for political or criminal purposes.
