A brewing controversy within Ogun State’s traditional institutions has come to a head as 10 Egba chiefs, sacked by Olu of Orile Ilawo, Oba Professor Alexander MacGregor, vehemently reject their removal. The chiefs, installed by Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, assert that Oba MacGregor oversteps his authority.
Oba MacGregor’s decision to sack the chiefs allegedly stems from claims of unauthorized land sales, insubordination, and disrespect. Specifically, he accused the chiefs of selling 1,600 acres of community land without permission.
However, the affected chiefs vehemently deny these allegations. Aro of Ilawo, Chief Olufemi Adebayo, clarified, “It is a lie that we sold land; it is the individuals who owned the land that sold them.” He explained that the chiefs receive a percentage of land sales as original owners, with transactions predating Oba MacGregor’s coronation.
Chief Adebayo cited Section 24 of the Ogun State Chief Laws (2021), which restricts a king’s powers to their domain and local government. “He’s going against the provisions… Why come to Obafemi-Owode, Abeokuta North, or Ewekoro? He’s just trying to cause problems,” Chief Adebayo asserted.
The chiefs have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and Alake of Egbaland to intervene, preventing further escalation. Balogun of Ilawo, Abraham Soyoye, described Oba MacGregor’s removal as “an exercise in futility,” emphasizing the Osile’s authority.
