Residents of Ajegunle in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State have raised concerns over the alleged grabbing and sale of part of a government-owned primary school by a member of the Ajegunle royal family.
At the centre of the controversy is Kajola Nursery and Primary School, located at 159 Kirikiri Road, opposite Second Benue Bus Stop.
The public school has served children from the Godo area, Kirikiri axis, and Dankaka communities for decades, providing basic education for pupils aged between three and 13 years.
Community members alleged that Hon. Wale Oluwa, Secretary to the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, orchestrated the disposal of the school land to a private individual popularly known as “North America.” They claimed the alleged sale had worsened the already poor state of infrastructure in the school, leading to a sharp decline in enrolment as parents moved their children to unregulated and substandard private schools.
Residents described the school as more than a learning centre, noting that it played a vital role in reducing crime, curbing social vices, and providing opportunities for vulnerable children within the community. Some argued that the alleged disposal of a public school property violated provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees access to basic education, as well as international principles promoted by UNESCO on children’s right to education.
There were also claims that the alleged transaction was being backed or supervised by Hon. Sabur Akanbi Oluwa (SAO), a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency II.
Residents further alleged that the political influence of the Oluwa family had created fear among teachers and education officials, discouraging them from speaking out. The situation was said to be unfolding under the watch of the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, who is also a resident of the area.
Residents have called on the Lagos State Government to urgently investigate the allegations, halt any form of encroachment on the school land, and protect public education assets.
When contacted, Hon. Wale Oluwa denied selling any government school property. According to him, the land in question was not part of the school premises but a family-owned property that shared a boundary with the school.
“The place in question was not a school but shared a boundary with the school,” he said. “It was a family property left unattended to and had become a security threat. Education authorities even wrote to the family to address the issue. The family had donated land for schools, hospitals, cemeteries, and markets, but the portion allegedly sold was not within the school and was not being used for educational purposes.” He said.
