Osun Landlord Accused of Forcing Poison on Suspected Maize Thief; Club Suspends Him Pending Police Probe

A disturbing video sparks outrage as Ijesa Sports Club distances itself from the incident.

A landlord in Osun State, identified as Chief Gbenga Ajibade, is at the center of a disturbing controversy after he allegedly forced a young man to ingest a poisonous substance for allegedly stealing maize.

The incident reportedly occurred in Itetii Ayo, Ilesa, and was captured on video, which has since gone viral. In the footage, shared by journalist Isaac Haastrup of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the young man can be seen pleading for mercy, claiming he resorted to stealing maize due to hunger.

The video has sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Ijesa Sports Club to swiftly suspend Chief Ajibade from its membership, pending the outcome of a police investigation.

In a statement dated August 7, 2025, the club’s spokesperson, Hon. Kenneth Opebiyi, described the act as “alarming and unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for accountability.

“The Executive Committee of Ijesa Sports Club wishes to announce the immediate suspension of Chief Gbenga Ajibade, pending the conclusion of investigations by law enforcement agencies regarding his alleged involvement in a serious incident of attempted murder,” the statement read.

The club held an emergency meeting on August 6, during which it expressed “grave concerns” over the video, which had surfaced on social media platforms, including Facebook.

“The integrity and image of Ijesa Sports Club are of utmost importance to us,” the statement continued. “We cannot allow any member’s actions to bring disrepute to our organization, which has been built on a foundation of respect and community values.”

The committee affirmed its commitment to justice and human dignity, noting that no individual is above the law.

“As a respected institution in Ijesaland, Ijesa Sports Club abhors any behavior that undermines the lives and dignity of fellow citizens,” it stated. “We stand in solidarity with the values of justice and accountability.”

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities are said to be investigating the matter. There has been no official statement from Chief Ajibade as of the time of this report.