ABEOKUTA – Indigenous families and dynasty representatives of Abati, Adegbite and Aderibigbe families in Adegbite Village in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have announced the removal of High Chief Abati Nurudeen Ayinde as the Baale (village head) over allegations bordering on misconduct, illegal land sales, abuse of traditional authority and actions considered detrimental to community peace.
The decision was contained in a formal letter dated May 20, 2026, addressed to the consenting authority on the village, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola by representatives of the Adegbite, Abati and Aderibigbe families.
In the removal notification signed by 17 family members, the families stated that Chief Ayinde’s removal became necessary after what they described as “series of atrocities” and actions that allegedly endangered the lives and stability of residents of the community.
According to the letter, the families accused the embattled Baale of creating unrest in the village and allegedly using his position to intimidate residents.
They further alleged that his conduct and association with certain groups had instilled fear within the community.
One of the major allegations raised against him involved claims that his son and associates allegedly attacked a resident during a Muslim prayer gathering held on June 1, 2025.
The document alleged that the incident resulted in injuries after a confrontation escalated violently.
The families also accused Ayinde of illegally selling community properties and lands without obtaining the consent of the founding families.
Among the disputed properties mentioned were a Central Eid prayer ground, town hall extension land, community market land and several acres of family-owned land located in the Akelemu Oko Oloyinbo area.
The petitioners alleged that proceeds from telecommunications infrastructure erected on community land were not remitted to the families and further accused the former Baale of attempting to alter traditional structures within the village.
They maintained that several meetings and interventions by community leaders failed to resolve the issues before the decision to remove him was reached.
“This unbecoming dubious character of Nurudeeni Abatti could not be traced or related to the lineage of these families.
“They are lying. They don’t have the power to remove me because they are not the family heads. Only Olowu of Owu can remove me. They are just extended family.
“Their action was illegal and null and void. The plan to remove me was because I stopped them from corruption. They are not the authority that installed me as Baale and they cannot remove me as well. They should bring evidences of all allegations against me.”
The families declared that Ayinde no longer represents the Adegbite Village dynasty and warned members of the public against conducting transactions with him on behalf of the community.
They also appealed to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom to withdraw the certificate of recognition earlier granted to him as Baale in order to preserve peace and protect the image of the kingdom.
In his reaction, Chief Nurudeen Ayinde Abati insisted he remain the authentic Baale of Adegbite village.
Chief Ayinde said all allegations leveled against him are untrue, unfounded and plot to destabilize the peace and tranquility of the village.
He said his legal team are already seeking legal redress to challenge his illegal removal.
According to him, his attempt to prevent corruption and illegal activities of the families was responsible for the gang up against him.
He reeled out his achievements to include, facilitation of World Bank road construction in Coker Ifo, even development and provision of social amenities and forestalling of peace and tranquility in the village and surrounding villages.
“I remain the authentic Baale, nobody can remove me. The police are investigating the matter and I know justice will prevail. These people are irrelevant and have no power to remove me as Baale.”
