Residents of Makogi Kanakana in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have levelled grave accusations against their traditional ruler, Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonola, popularly known as the Tallman of Makogi Kanakana.
According to the residents, the monarch has been using cultists and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force—including members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team—to intimidate, assault, and forcefully take over community lands.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, the residents appealed to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently step in and address what they described as growing acts of violence and oppression in their community.
One of the victims, Afeez Kazeem, narrated his ordeal: “My name is Afeez Kazeem. I was walking along the road when a car parked behind me. Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonola, who claims to be a monarch, pointed at me. Immediately, members of the Aiye cult group came out of the car. I recognised some of them—Dimeji, Sunday Ogunseye, Iron-Body, Sunday Safiu, and Gilo.
“They beat me to a pulp. One of my legs was broken. Later that same day, Babatunde returned with SWAT operatives who also beat me and broke my second leg. I lost consciousness after that.”
According to Kazeem, when he was taken to the police station, he was accused of attempting to shoot at the monarch’s residence.
“They didn’t allow me to speak. If I truly went to his house with a gun, where’s the evidence? There is a police station in Makogi and a Community Development Association (CDA) that could have intervened. Babatunde has no proof of this accusation,” he said.
Kazeem maintained that he is not a vigilante or cultist but a native of Makogi who has become a victim of the monarch’s alleged campaign of terror.
“This is the fourth week I’ve been nursing my broken legs. I’m calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun to save us. Babatunde is not an indigene of our community. He’s a land grabber using cultists to oppress us. The governor is trying to curb cultism in Ogun State, but this monarch is sabotaging his efforts,” he alleged.
“Before the SWAT team came from Abeokuta, Babatunde’s boys had already shattered one of my legs. Even the SWAT officers questioned why they were called when I was already severely beaten. Yet, they still tortured me and broke my second leg, trying to force me to confess to a crime I didn’t commit.”
Another resident, Samson Olatunji, an electrician and longtime tenant in Makogi, also recounted his traumatic experience.
He said, “I’ve lived in Makogi for over 20 years. I don’t deal in land sales or have any conflicts. But one day, cultists allegedly working for Babatunde stormed the community with guns and cutlasses. They accused me of being an herbalist working for Afeez. I told them I’m not an herbalist—maybe they assumed that because I’m from Ijebu.
“As I ran, I fell into a pit and broke my leg. They left me there. I recognised two of them—Dimeji and Taoreed, also known as Agbara. Since then, I’ve sold all my belongings to treat my injuries. My wife and children have left because of the trauma. I can’t walk, and even when I need to use the toilet, people have to carry me.”
Samson also appealed to the Ogun State government for justice.
“This monarch is using cultists and the police to threaten our lives. We need help,” he added.
Another victim, Gabriel Olabode, described being violently arrested by SWAT and vigilante operatives in Abule-Oba.
“Out of nowhere, SWAT and vigilante men started beating me and took me to their office without explaining anything. Later, I was handed over to SWAT operatives in Abeokuta. I was told Babatunde claimed I am a member of Aiye who came to his house with a gun,” he said.
Gabriel denied the allegations and challenged the monarch to present evidence.
“I’m not a cultist. Babatunde has CCTV footage in his house; he should present it to prove his claims. I didn’t go to his house, and I didn’t shoot any guns,” he added.
The residents have urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the monarch’s actions and ensure justice for the victims.
“Makogi is not a small village. We have a police station. Why is SWAT being used to brutalise innocent people while the cultists are left untouched?” he said.
Previously, SaharaReporters reported that residents of Makogi Kanakana had accused the traditional ruler of orchestrating violent attacks against them through hired thugs.
Sonola was among the 75 coronet monarchs sacked in 2020 by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. However, a high court in the state overturned the sacking.
The Osho Kanakana family told SaharaReporters that Sonola sent thugs armed with cutlasses to attack them while they were celebrating the Ogun festival.
Adewusi told SaharaReporters that while they were celebrating, they suddenly saw some thugs sent by Sonola wielding cutlasses and attacking everyone.
He identified their ringleader as Dimeji Muftau, who was captured holding a machete, while his accomplice, Taoreed Oseni, was later apprehended as others fled.
The family accused Sonola of selling their land and harassing them for opposing the sale.
“They came while we were worshipping Ogun festival with the Baale of Makogi Kanakana and his team. Sonola sent his thugs, armed with cutlasses, to attack us. At the end of the day, many people were slashed,” he said.
“The man who sustained a deep cut is Kehinde Owoseni. He was rushed to the hospital.”
Sources said the thugs were later arrested and taken to the Magistrate Court in Mowe.
However, it was learnt that the monarch later intervened to secure their bail.
SaharaReporters’ attempts to reach Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonola were unsuccessful, as he did not answer phone calls or respond to messages sent to his mobile line.