A Magistrate Court sitting in Mowe, Ogun State, has ordered the remand of a 56-year-old traditional ruler, Babatunde Akanni Sonola, in connection with alleged violent attacks in Makogi community, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
Sonola was arraigned with two other individuals, Dimeji Adigun Mustapha, 25, and Taoheed Sonola, 43. The trio is facing four criminal charges related to attempted murder and causing serious bodily harm.
Court filings allege that the defendants attacked multiple victims, including Kehinde Owoseni, who reportedly suffered serious head injuries. They were also accused of attacking Saheed Ojekunle, who sustained critical injuries to his limbs, as well as another individual identified as Afeez Kazeem.
Sources familiar with the proceedings disclosed that Sonola was taken into custody on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following his arraignment. However, he later met his bail conditions on Monday evening.
According to the source, the court approved bail on December 22, 2025, in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties. One of the sureties must be a second-class traditional ruler. The court also directed the defendant to refrain from actions that could disrupt peace in the community, pending legal advice from the Ogun State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Residents of Makogi community have welcomed the court’s handling of the matter so far, stressing that the case should be pursued without interference. Community members say accountability is necessary for victims who narrowly escaped death.
Beyond the current charges, several residents have accused Sonola of repeatedly using his traditional authority to intimidate locals and unlawfully claim land, allegedly with support from suspected cult groups.
Community leaders are now urging the Ogun State Government and relevant security agencies to closely observe the case to ensure that justice is not undermined by influence or status.
The matter has been adjourned until February 23, 2026, for further hearing.
Makogi residents have long accused Sonola—also known locally as “Tallman”—of orchestrating violence tied to an ongoing land ownership dispute. Reports indicate that the conflict arose from claims that Sonola sold land parcels allegedly belonging to other families, including land said to be owned by the Osho Kanakana family.
A family representative, Taiwo Adewusi, stated that despite formal warnings and legal notices, Sonola allegedly continued selling the disputed land. Those who challenged the sales were said to have faced harassment and attacks.
Multiple residents recounted incidents involving destruction of property, physical assaults, and threats to life. A local tailor, Sunday Ojeyemi, said armed individuals attacked his shop, vandalised equipment, and carted away several industrial sewing machines, forcing him and his apprentices to flee the area.
An elderly resident, Omotayo Kanakana, claimed her home was demolished and that she was assaulted, prompting her family to abandon the community. Another resident, Mulikatu Opasola, alleged that attackers looted her son’s shop before storming her residence at night, firing gunshots that forced her to seek refuge in nearby bushes.
Several victims identified individuals they believe are part of cult groups operating in the area and alleged that their actions were carried out on Sonola’s directives.
