Traditional ruler, 14 others remanded over alleged attempted murder, land grabbing
An Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso ordered the detention of Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko, and 14 others at the Abolongo Correctional Facility due to allegations of ongoing violence, attempted murder, and illegal land acquisition.
The group detained with Akinola includes 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.
The decision was made by Justice K.A. Adedokun after the State Counsel, Mr. I.O. Abdulazeez, reported that the defendants had once again attacked the complainant, Dr. Isaac Abiodun, in Aagba village.
Justice Adedokun expressed disapproval of the recent assault on Abiodun and noted that Akinola had failed to uphold peace, contrary to the caution issued during the initial hearing on November 16.
Consequently, the judge ordered the remand of the defendants and adjourned the suit till Nov. 27 for hearing of their bail application.
It was gathered that the judge had, on Nov.16, issued a warning to Akinola to be civil by cautioning his loyalists not to misbehave in any manner in respect of the matter.
The judge had also said that he would have remanded Akinola and other defendants if not for his strong respect for the traditional institution, but warned to deal with them if there was any report of misbehaviour from them.
It was gathered that the defendants are facing a 29-count charge, bordering on alleged attempted murder, conspiracy, rough handling, robbery, stealing, damaging of property, forceful entry and assault.
The state counsel had told the court that the incident occurred on May 7, May 10, May 27 and Sept. 3, all in 2021 at Aagba in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He said that the indigenes of Aagba, including Abiodun, had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) that the defendants had been doing everything possible to kill him (Abiodun) and convert his land situated at Aagba village to theirs.
He further stated that Abiodun had previously secured a court judgment as the true owner of the land.
The offences, according to him, contravene Sections 516, 355, 320, 332, 390(3), 7(4), 7(c ), 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. ii 38, Law of Oyo State, 2000.
However, the defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges, while their counsel, Mr M.O. Folounsho had also applied for their bail.
