A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Thursday remanded a self-imposed monarch, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, 67, for alleged unauthorised installation as the traditional ruler in Ijare, Ifedore Local Council Area of the state.
Aladeseyi was arraigned along with two chiefs, Fasore Lawrence, 63, and Adegbenro Akanle, 63, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful installation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace following their purported participation in the installation of the Olujare of Ijare without the consent or approval of the government.
The Olujare stool became vacant four years ago after the passing of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun.
The suspects were dragged before the court by the police, with the prosecution informing the court that their action was capable of causing unrest in the agrarian community as well as violating the state’s chieftaincy laws.
With the accused persons pleading not guilty to the charges against them before the Chief Magistrate, Jaiyeola Solomon Ogungade, the prosecutor, Ajiboye, informed the court that he has seven witnesses and sufficient evidence to support the charges.
Lead defence counsel, Mr Adelanke Akinrata, requested bail for the defendants, citing Sections 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 146(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
However, a kingmaker, who is also a lawyer, Wemimo Olaniran, opposed the bail plea. He warned that granting bail could spark further crisis, noting that police had been deployed to maintain peace in the community.
With Olaniran expressed fear that other contenders might attempt to impose themselves as monarchs if the current situation goes unchecked, Chief Magistrate Ogungade adjourned ruling on the bail application to May 12 and ordered that the suspects be remanded in custody pending determination of the application.
