Members of the family of former Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo Town, Prof. Olu Aderounmu, known as the Sao Family, have denied claims that he sold family land in Oba Ile community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The controversy arose after some factional members of the family accused the professor of selling several parcels of ancestral land valued at over N200 million.
The initial statement, signed by High Chief Tunde Afare Faloye, Chief Olusola Aderounmu, Chief Abayomi Faloye, and Elder Igbekele Fabilola, alleged that Prof. Aderounmu was not a biological member of the family and had no authority over the land.
“We warn all buyers. Those transactions are illegal, null, and void. Any development on illegally acquired land will be at the buyer’s own risk,” the statement warned.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday by Mr Gabriel Ogundari on behalf of the family, the Sao Family refuted the claims, insisting that the land in question belongs to the professor’s maternal lineage.
The read, “The statement’s claims of Prof. Aderounmu’s land grabbing and sale of ancestral lands worth N200 million are not only baseless but also a gross misrepresentation of the facts.
The truth is that the Sao Family of Oba-ile, having been hijacked by some people in the family , who have been engaged in a systematic and illegal takeover of family lands belonging to other descendants through a so-called land committee constituted and populated by them. This is a clear case of gangsterism by a minority over the majority, with blatant disregard for court judgments.”
The truth is that the Sao Family of Oba-ile, having been hijacked by some people in the family , who have been engaged in a systematic and illegal takeover of family lands belonging to other descendants through a so-called land committee constituted and populated by them. This is a clear case of gangsterism by a minority over the majority, with blatant disregard for court judgments.”
The family further noted that multiple High Court and Appeal Court rulings (Suit AK/144/2016 & CA/AK/66/2020) support the professor’s maternal Ogundari stock, restraining certain chiefs from disposing of ancestral property.
“Despite multiple judgments from the High Court and Appeal Court(Suit AK/144/2016 & CA/AK/66/2020 respectively)in favour of Fagoroyo stock, these individuals have continued to invade and convert family lands, using their alleged chieftaincy titles as a pretext. Their actions are a stark contrast to the values of justice, fairness, and respect for the law.
“We urge the public to exercise caution and discernment in this matter, considering the credibility of the sources involved. Prof. Olu Aderounmu has maintained that he is a legitimate member of the family through his maternal line and has pointed to two separate High Court judgments in favour of his mother’s Ogundari stock that restrained the chiefs from disposing of ancestral property,” the statement added.
The statement called on the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and take necessary actions to protect the rights of all parties involved.
“The rule of law must be upheld, and those responsible for these illegal actions must be held accountable,” it concluded.
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