The Oloko of Oko in Oyo State, Oba Solomon Akinola, and 14 others have been remanded in Abolongo Correctional Centre by the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso.
The remand is a result of alleged continuous violent attacks, attempted murder, and land grabbing.
The defendants, including the monarch, Chief Sunday Aderinto, Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiu, Adejare Adeleru, Samson Ogunmola, Zachiaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan, Olusegun Oyelekan, and Sheriff Adio, were remanded by Justice K.A. Adedokun during the ongoing hearing of charges against them.
The state counsel, Mr. I.O. Abdulazeez, informed the court about a recent attack on the complainant, Dr. Isaac Abiodun, by the defendants at Aagba village. Expressing displeasure at the latest violent incident, Justice Adedokun noted that Oba Akinola’s failure to maintain peace was in direct contradiction to the earlier warning issued on November 16, 2023.
The judge remanded the defendants in Abolongo Correctional Centre and scheduled the next hearing for November 27, 2023, where their bail applications will be considered.
It’s noteworthy that on November 16, the court had issued a warning to Oba Akinola, emphasizing the need for civility and caution among his loyalists. The judge had expressed respect for the traditional institution but warned of consequences if there were reports of misbehavior.
The defendants were initially arraigned on a 29-count charge, including attempted murder, conspiracy, rough handling, robbery, stealing, damage of property, forceful entry, and assault. The incidents in question took place on May 7, 10, 27, and September 3, 2021, in Aagba, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Abdulazeez, the state counsel, highlighted that the defendants, including the monarch, were accused of attempting to harm Dr. Isaac Abiodun and unlawfully claiming ownership of his land in Aagba village, despite a previous court judgment affirming Abiodun’s ownership.
The charges brought against the defendants contravene various sections of the Criminal Codes Cap 38 Vol. II 38 Law of Oyo State 2000, including sections 516, 355, 320, 332, 390 (3), 7 (4), 7(c), and 451.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their counsel, Mr. M.O. Folounsho, has applied for their bail, which will be considered in the upcoming court proceedings.
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