A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Akure has remanded a self-proclaimed monarch, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, and two chiefs, Fasore Lawrence and Adegbenro Akanle, over allegations of unauthorised installation as the Olujare of Ijare in Ifedore Local Council.
The 67-year-old Aladeseyi, along with Lawrence and Akanle, both 63, was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful installation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The charges stemmed from their alleged involvement in installing the Olujare without government approval.
The stool became vacant four years ago following the death of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun.
The police prosecutor, Babatunde Ajiboye, informed the court that the actions of the accused could incite unrest in the agrarian community and contravened Ondo State’s chieftaincy laws.
One of the charges read: “That You, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, ‘m’, Fasore Lawrence, ‘m’, Ajidahun Abraham, ‘m’, Adegbenro Akanle, ‘m’, and others at large, on April 15, 2025, at about 1:00a.m., at Ijare town within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, did conspire together to commit a misdemeanour, to wit, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 (A) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges before Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Solomon Ogungade. Prosecutor Ajiboye told the court he had seven witnesses and sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.
The lead defence counsel, Mr Adelanke Akinrata, applied for bail, citing Sections 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 146(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). He argued that the defendants were presumed innocent and assured the court they would not abscond or interfere with investigations.
However, Wemimo Olaniran, a kingmaker and lawyer, opposed the bail application. He warned that releasing the suspects could exacerbate tensions, noting that police were already deployed to maintain peace in the community. He expressed concern that other contenders might attempt to impose themselves as monarchs if the situation was not contained.
Chief Magistrate Ogungade adjourned the ruling on the bail application to May 12 and ordered the defendants remanded in custody pending the decision.
