Court warns Oyo monarch over land grabbing

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso has warned Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko, that he may be made to face contempt of court for continuously trespassing on a piece of land. Justice K. A. Adedokun gave the warning after the prosecution presented photographs of the alleged encroachment on the land by […]

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso has warned Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko, that he may be made to face contempt of court for continuously trespassing on a piece of land.

Justice K. A. Adedokun gave the warning after the prosecution presented photographs of the alleged encroachment on the land by the defendants.

The prosecutor, Mr I.O. Abdulazeez, further said that the lives of the people of Aagba were being threatened by the defendants.

Daily Trust earlier reported that Oba Akinola and 14 others were facing a 29-count charge bordering on land grabbing, conspiracy, attempted murder, robbery and assault in November, 2023.

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The 14 other defendants in the case are Chiefs Sunday Aderinto, Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiu and Adejare Adeleru.

Others are Samson Ogunmola Zachiaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.

At the resumption of trial, Dr Isaac Abiodun, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tropical Culture Farm Limited, recalled how Akinola allegedly instructed his men to invade his farm and Aagba village to maim and rob people.

He said, “In 2021, the Baale of Aagba and I petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on how Oba Akinola invaded the farm and the village of Aagba, leaving the place and the indigenes in disarray.

“After investigation, the Federal Ministry of Justice transferred the case to Oyo State Ministry of Justice for prosecution.

“Though I was not physically present when some of my employees and villagers were ruthlessly dealt with in the presence of Oba Akinola in his palace, but I saw them when they were brought outside.”

The prosecutor tendered the medical reports of each of the victims of the attack made by four medical doctors from Bowen Hospital, Ogbomoso, as exhibits.

The judge adjourned the case to October 23, for commencement of defence.