An Osun monarch, Oba Muideen Azeez, the Elegbedi of Egbedi, along with four co-defendants, was remanded in the Ile-Ife Custodial Centre on Thursday after failing to meet the bail conditions set by the court. They are facing trial for alleged arson and malicious damage to a farm in Iloba town.
The defendants—Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran, and Sarafadeen Abioye—were arraigned alongside the monarch in an Osun State High Court in Ede on 29 counts, including arson, destruction of farmland, illegal possession of firearms, and robbery.
According to the charges, on or around September 3, 2019, the defendants allegedly robbed Wasilatu Akinola and other women processing palm oil, seizing approximately 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats, and other domestic animals valued at about N10 million. The defendants are also accused of using personal violence against the victims during the robbery.
Additionally, they are alleged to have set fire to the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Oloba of Iloba, and other buildings in the town on the same date.
These actions reportedly violate Sections 402, 403A, 443, 2(1), and 249(1) of the State Criminal Law 2002.
During the proceedings on September 26, 2024, Justice Kudirat Akano granted bail to the defendants in the amount of N5 million, requiring two sureties each. One surety must be a level 16 civil servant with property within the court’s jurisdiction, while the other must be a part-two monarch.
However, the defendants were unable to fulfill these conditions, and a vehicle from the correctional center was seen taking them away from the court premises around 2:10 PM.
At the start of the session, Mr. Abiodun Badiora represented the prosecution from the state Ministry of Justice, while Mr. Bukola Atobatele appeared for the defendants.
A prosecution witness, Mustafa Waheed, testified that the Elegbedi assaulted him after he brought police to arrest the monarch for destroying his farm.
Justice Akano subsequently adjourned the case until October 16 for the continuation of the hearing.
