A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital has ordered the remand of one Adekolajo Aladeseyi for allegedly ‘installing’ himself as the Olujare of Ijare, in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
Sixty-seven-year-old Aladeseyi alongside Fasore Lawrence, 63 years, and Adegbenro Akanle, 43, were dragged before the court by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly instigating a crisis in the ancient community.
They were accused of conduct likely to cause breach of peace and deliberately flouting the chieftaincy law of the state.
One of the charges reads, “That you, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, Fasore Lawrence and Adegbenro Akanle and others at large on the 15th day of April, 2025 at about 1:00 am at Ijare town within the Jurisdiction of the Honourable Court did conspire together to commit misdemeanor to wit conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 517 (A) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State, Nigeria, 2006.”
The suspects, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge preferred against them after it was read to them.
Police Prosecutor, Babatunde Ajiboye who informed the Court that he has seven witnesses to present as witnesses, also said he has evidence to be presented during the trial.
Meanwhile, the lead counsel to the suspects, Mr Adelanke Akinrata, prayed the court to grant bail to them in liberal terms.
Akinrata who said the application is premised on Section 36 sub 5 of the 1999 constitution, as amended, noted that the defendants were presumed to be innocent until proven guilty according to Section 146 sub 1 of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
According to him, the essence of bail is to ensure their presence and the guarantee that the accused will be available to stand trial before the court.
While assuring the court on the availability of the suspects during trial, Akinrata assured the court that the accused would not tamper with the investigation which had long been concluded.
In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Solomon Ogungade, ordered the remand of the suspects in custody and consequently adjourned the ruling on the bail application to May 12.
The Olujare stool, which is a prestigious first-class traditional title, became vacant four years ago after the passing of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun, Kokotiri II.
Since then, the community has awaited the selection of a new ruler, but the process has been marred by disputes and claims of irregularities.
