By Adejumo Micheal
Residents of Ajura Kingdom in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, over allegations of conspiracy, stealing and vandalisation of government property, as well as intimidation of community members.
In a petition dated and addressed to the Commissioner of Police at the Eleweran headquarters in Abeokuta, the group, which described itself as “law-abiding citizens and residents of Ajura Kingdom,” accused the Olu of Ajura Kingdom, Oba Taiwo Kazeem, and some of his alleged loyalists of wilfully vandalising facilities belonging to the Ogun State Water Corporation within the Ajura community.
According to the petitioners, the damaged facilities were the community’s primary source of potable water. They alleged that the equipment was dismantled and sold, with proceeds allegedly converted for personal use. The petition claims that the total value of the vandalised facilities runs into about ₦100 million.
The residents further alleged that the monarch, with the support of a loyalist group, frequently invades the community with weapons such as guns and cutlasses, creating fear among residents and commuters. They claimed that these alleged actions have led to intimidation, disruption of daily life, and a breakdown of peace in the area, as many residents reportedly flee for safety during such incidents.
The petitioners stated that the matter had earlier been reported at the Obafemi Owode Divisional Police Headquarters. However, they alleged that due to the influence of the traditional ruler, a thorough investigation had not been carried out, thereby denying the community justice.
Describing the situation as a potential trigger for a wider community crisis if left unresolved, the residents appealed to the Commissioner of Police to intervene decisively. They specifically requested that the case be withdrawn from the Owode Police Station and transferred to the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to ensure what they described as an impartial and comprehensive investigation.
They commended the Ogun State Police Command for its efforts in protecting lives and property across the state and expressed hope that prompt intervention would restore peace and public confidence in law enforcement within Ajura Kingdom.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a response from the palace of the Olu of Ajura Kingdom regarding the allegations were unsuccessful. Police authorities had also not issued an official statement on the petition.
Residents and observers say the handling of the petition will be closely watched, given its implications for community safety, rule of law and the protection of public assets in Ogun State.
