By Peace Udugba
Residents of Ologolo community in the Lekki area of Lagos State have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene in what they described as the persistent menace of suspected Omonile activities in the area.
The residents warned that if immediate action is not taken, Ologolo could degenerate into a lawless and violent community allegedly dominated by gangs of hoodlums.
According to members of the community, two abandoned plots of land currently occupied by some settlers have become a hideout for suspected criminals, raising fears over security in the area.
They further alleged that the activities of the Omonile groups are being encouraged by the Baale of Ologolo, Kolawole Ologolo, whom they accused of benefiting from the proceeds of the gangs. They also claimed that the traditional ruler had boasted of enjoying the support of the Elegushi royal institution.
The residents cited a recent incident involving a young man identified simply as Leo, an indigene of Edo State, who was reportedly attacked after refusing to give money to suspected Omonile operatives who accosted him while returning home at night. The assailants allegedly followed him to his residence and vandalised his property.
Speaking with journalists, the Olori Ekun of Olowogbowo, Prince Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu, alleged that Leo sustained serious head injuries after being struck with an iron object and was allegedly warned by the Baale against reporting the incident to the police.
He said the victim has since abandoned his multimillion-naira property out of fear for his life.
“The young man has not recovered from the physical assault. He continues to suffer severe headaches and trauma after the attack. He is living in fear and has been forced to abandon his property to protect himself,” Shodipe-Dosunmu said.
He expressed concern that the incident could trigger ethnic tensions, noting that the victim is not of Yoruba extraction.
Shodipe-Dosunmu said although the matter had been reported to the police, the community decided to seek media attention to draw the state government’s attention to the situation.
He further alleged that individuals identified as Gafar and Mutiu, said to be leaders of the Omonile group, operate with the backing of the Baale, a development he claimed has emboldened them to act unlawfully.
He called on the Lagos State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently to prevent Ologolo from becoming a “killing zone.”
“The Baale and members of the gang should be investigated and anyone found culpable brought to justice,” he said.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Baale of Ologolo, Kolawole Ologolo, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The allegations contained in this report are claims made by members of the Ologolo community. The Baale of Ologolo had not responded to the allegations at the time of publication, while security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
