Muslims/Masqueraders clash: Court adjourns case over absence of traditionalists 

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

Osun State High Court has, on Thursday, adjourned the murder case filed by the state against Chief Kayode Esuleke, his son and two others due to the absence of accused masqueraders.

Following the absence of the masqueraders in the court, Justice Ayo Oyebiyi adjourned the case till September 14, 2021 for arraignment.

Recall that on June 27th, 2021, masquerade worshippers in Osogbo allegedly attacked Kamorudeen Central Mosque, located at Oluode Aranyin during an organised prayer for the nation.

One person was killed while 14 others sustained injuries. Subsequently, Osun State police arrested the leader of masquerade worshippers, Chief Esuleke, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, his son, Fashola Esuleke, Adeosun Kola and Idowu Hakeem for alleged murder.

The police also arrested the chief Imam of the mosque, Kareem Yunus, and three others, Salawu Jimoh, Alarape Sulaimon and Raimi Saheed, for alleged assault.

Earlier, the Muslims and traditionalists were arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate court, which granted all the defendants bail.

However, in a fresh suit, the State Prosecution Department, filed a murder case against the masqueraders.

The counsel for the traditional worshippers, Chief Abimbola Ige, on Thursday, told the court that the accused persons were not properly served on the suit and promised to present them at the next adjournment date.

He said that Chief Esuleke was sick but had been discharged from hospital while three others were not in the state.

The state prosecutor, Moses Faremi who said he was not aware of Chief Esuleke’s sickness prayed the court to grant the adjournment.