Obaship Tussle: Northern ‘Yoruba Monarch’ Arraigned For Impersonation

A self-acclaimed Yoruba monarch in the north, Mohammed Arigbabuwo, has been arraigned before an Abuja Magistrate Court, for allegedly parading himself as the chairman of Oba Yoruba in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

His arraignment was pursuant to a complaint brought before the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police by the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), chaired by Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, Sarkin Yorubawan Funtua in Katsina State.

He was arraigned on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, breach of public peace, impersonation, and intimidation, which are contrary to and punishable under sections 97, 114, 179, and 378 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

However, when the matter came up for hearing before Magistrate Farida Ibrahim, Arigbabuwo pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge preferred against him.

In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate granted him bail of N500,000 with a surety who lives within the court’s jurisdiction. The matter has been adjourned to June 4, 2025.