Maharaj Ji writes open letter to Tinubu, security over harassment, land dispute with pastor
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
Founder of One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has written an open letter to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), seeking their intervention in an ongoing land dispute involving his Maharaj Ji Village in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Maharaj Ji made an appeal in the open letter dated October 2, 2026, in which he alleged that pilgrims and members of his community had been harassed, intimidated and detained in connection with activities surrounding the disputed property.
He alleged that a pastor identified as G. F. David, alongside two other individuals he named as Okon and Ajibioya, had been involved in the dispute, while also alleging that some security personnel had been present during incidents at the property.
In the letter, Maharaj Ji said: “By the Grace of Maharaj Ji, I would like to draw the immediate and urgent attention of the head of the Nigerian Army and head of the Nigerian Police to the threat to life and security of lives and property of all the pilgrims visiting from all over the world.”
He alleged that the dispute had continued for about two months, claiming that pilgrims and disciples visiting the Satguru Maharaj Ji Village had experienced incidents of harassment and intimidation.
Maharaj Ji also alleged that some pilgrims had been arrested and detained in connection with the dispute, adding that his organisation had incurred expenses while seeking the release of those affected.
He stated that “on the whole, we have spent about N10 million for bail, fuel, transportation, damages, hospital bills, consultations, etc. in the process of rescuing pilgrims and disciples from their hands for peace to reign.”
According to him, the matter had previously been brought before the Nigeria Police and the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing Agency, following concerns raised by his organisation over ownership and activities on the disputed property.
Maharaj Ji alleged that the Anti-Land Grabbing Agency later convened a meeting involving parties to the dispute after his organisation submitted copies of documents relating to the land.
He further claimed that members of the Aladorin Kudeti family, whom he identified as persons connected to the original ownership of the property, disputed the authenticity of documents allegedly presented by some of the parties laying claim to the land.
He stated that “the Aladorin Kudeti family disclaimed them outright that they did not know Okon, Ajibioya and Pastor G. F. David; and that the two documents and receipts were forged.”
Maharaj Ji also alleged that the Anti-Land Grabbing Agency had directed G. F. David, Ajibioya and Okon to vacate the disputed property, but claimed that they subsequently returned to the area accompanied by security personnel and other individuals.
He said the development had heightened tension around the Satguru Maharaj Ji Village and alleged that some activities had continued on the disputed property, despite legal steps taken by his organisation.
According to him, his lawyers had been directed to seek an interlocutory injunction restraining the parties involved from entering or developing the land, but he alleged that encroachment activities continued.
“Our lawyers were directed to file an interlocutory injunction restraining them from entering the land; but still, they continue to build on the land,” he stated.
Maharaj Ji also raised concerns over the use of the expression “Wet i e Crusade” in connection with activities allegedly associated with the dispute, noting that the historical term “Wet i e” was associated with political violence in the old Western Region.
He urged the security authorities to investigate the situation and take appropriate steps to prevent the dispute from escalating, stressing the need for peace in the area.
He further called on the IGP to invite the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, the head of the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing Agency, the Oluyole Local Government Area chairman, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, G. F. David, Okon and Ajibioya to clarify the issues raised in his open letter.
Maharaj Ji also requested that the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing Agency explain its handling of the matter, alleging that some documents and information earlier submitted to the agency had gone missing before copies were subsequently provided.
He urged relevant legal authorities to examine the various court decisions relating to the disputed property, particularly the legal process for challenging an earlier judgment which he claimed had remained unappealed for more than two decades.
Maharaj Ji said his appeal was aimed at preventing further escalation of the dispute and called on the relevant authorities to intervene promptly.
