February 3, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Residents of Ajegunle in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State have raised serious allegations that a parcel of land belonging to a government-run primary school was illicitly sold by a member of a local royal family, sparking community outrage and calls for official investigation.
At the center of the controversy is Kajola Nursery and Primary School, located at 159 Kirikiri Road, opposite Second Benue Bus Stop, a longstanding public institution that has served thousands of children across several densely populated communities, including Godo, Kirikiri, and Dankaka. Despite its dilapidated infrastructure, the school continued to provide basic education for children aged between three and 13, with official records indicating an estimated enrolment of approximately 638 pupils as of 2023, in a local government area estimated to house over 824,000 residents.
Community members have identified Hon. Wale Oluwa, Secretary to the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, as the key figure allegedly responsible for orchestrating the disposal of the school’s land, purportedly transferring it to a private individual known locally as “North America.” Residents assert that this action has exacerbated already poor school infrastructure, contributed to declining student numbers, and forced families to shift children to unregulated private institutions.
For many in Ajegunle, the public school serves roles beyond education, functioning as a vital social institution that helps reduce crime, mitigate social vices, and provide structured opportunities for vulnerable youths. Critics argue that the alleged sale contradicts constitutional guarantees of access to basic education and defies international principles on children’s educational rights.
Additional claims surfaced that the transaction may have involved political backing, with residents citing alleged influence by Hon. Sabur Akanbi Oluwa (SAO), a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency II. Some community members also expressed fear among local teachers and education officials, who they say feel intimidated from speaking out due to the family’s political reach.
The development has unfolded under the tenure of Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, who is also based in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, adding to community calls for a transparent governmental review to protect public educational assets.
In response to queries from SaharaReporters, Hon. Wale Oluwa firmly denied allegations of selling any portion of government school property, insisting that the contested parcel of land was not part of the school but rather an adjoining family property outside the school’s official boundaries. He emphasized that the family historically donated land for public use, including education, and maintained that the portion under dispute was never utilized by the school.
Local residents and education advocates are now urging the Lagos State Government to initiate an independent investigation into the matter, halt any further encroachment on school grounds, and safeguard public facilities critical to the community’s development and wellbeing.