Court remands three for slapping Osun monarch

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

An Osogbo Magistrates’ Court has remanded three persons for allegedly slapping a monarch, Alabudo of Abudo, Oba Morufudeen Olawale.

The accused persons are; Tijani Wasiu, 35, Akangbe Tairu, 35 and Samad Mutairu 30.

The trio allegedly committed the offence on February 20, 2021 at  Abudo village in Awo, Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Asanbe, alleged that the trio conducted themselves in a manner to cause a breach of peace.

He said, “They went to the palace of Alabudo to disturb labourers who were working in the palace by acting like  thugs.

“The three accused persons also assaulted Alabudo of Abudo, Oba Morufudeen Olawale in his palace by slapping and beating him with a cutlass.”

They were arraigned on two counts, bordering on breach of public peace and assault.

The offences committed are contrary to and punishable under Sections 249 (D) and 351 of the Criminal Code CAP. 34 Vol II. Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge slammed against them.

The defence counsel, A. O Okgi made an oral bail application for his clients on the most liberal term, promising to provide reliable sureties.

The prosecutor opposed the bail application saying, “It is a great insult on the traditional institute to slap a King and even beat him with a cutlass.”

The presiding magistrate, Mr Isola Omisade, ordered the accused persons to be remanded at Ilesa Correctional Centre.

He adjourned the case till February 25, 2021 for ruling on bail