Court remands ‘self-proclaimed’ Ondo traditional ruler

A Magistrates’ Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a self-acclaimed traditional ruler, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, who allegedly installed himself as the Olujare of Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area without due process.  Aladeseyi was arraigned alongside two others — Fasore Lawrence (63) and Adegbenro Akanle (43) — for flouting state chieftaincy laws […]

A Magistrates’ Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a self-acclaimed traditional ruler, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, who allegedly installed himself as the Olujare of Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area without due process. 

Aladeseyi was arraigned alongside two others — Fasore Lawrence (63) and Adegbenro Akanle (43) — for flouting state chieftaincy laws and inciting unrest in the ancient town. 

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Olutokunbo Afolabi said the arrest followed directives from the state government, noting that the controversial installation ceremony had no legal backing from either the local government or state authorities. 

“This action was necessary to maintain peace and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order in the community,” Afolabi stated. 

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The accused were brought before the court on Thursday and charged with three counts, including conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. 

All three pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

However, defence counsel Adelanke Akinrata appealed for bail on liberal terms, citing Sections 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution and 146(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), which presume the accused innocent until proven guilty. 

Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Solomon Ogungbade ordered the remand of the accused and adjourned ruling on the bail application until May 12. 

The Olujare stool has remained vacant since the death of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun (Kokotiri II) four years ago, with succession efforts hampered by disputes and claims of irregularities.