The CP noted that the inauguration carried out by Mr Aladeseyi did not receive legal recognition from either the local or state government.
Tosin Ajuwon • May 8, 2025
Ondo state logo
Ondo state logo [Photo: Ondo State Government]
The Akure Division of the Magistrates Court in Ondo State on Thursday remanded a self-proclaimed monarch, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, parading himself as Olujare of Ijare.
This came after Mr Aladeseyi, accused of illegally crowning himself as the Olujare of Ijare in the Ifedore Local Council Area of the state, was arrested by the police and subsequently charged to court.
The state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed that the self-confessed monarch was apprehended on the orders of the state government.
Mr Afolabi noted that the inauguration carried out by Mr Aladeseyi did not receive legal recognition from either the local or state government.
He said, “This action was necessary to maintain peace and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order in the community.’’
Alongside two chiefs, the self-styled monarch was accused of carrying out the unauthorised installation despite opposition from key figures in the town responsible for the selection of the town’s monarch.
But on Thursday, Mr Aladeseyi, 67, was dragged before the magistrates’ court by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly instigating a crisis in the ancient town.
He was arraigned before the court alongside Fasore Lawrence, 63, and Adegbenro Akanle, 43, with a three-count charge.
The trio also were accused of conduct likely to cause breach of peace and deliberately flouting the chieftaincy law of the state.
One of the charges read, “That you, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, Fasore Lawrence and Adegbenro Akanle and others at large on April 15, 2025 at about 1:00 am at Ijare town within the Jurisdiction of the Honourable Court did conspire together to commit misdemeanour to wit conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 517 (A) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State, Nigeria, 2006.”
The suspects, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.
Babatunde Ajiboye, The Police Prosecutor, Babatubde Ajiboye, who informed the court that he had seven witnesses, noted that he had evidence to back his claim.
But the lead counsel to the suspects, Adelanke Akinrata, prayed the court to grant bail to them in liberal terms.
Mr Akinrata who said the application was premised on Section 36 sub 5 of the 1999 constitution, as amended, noted that the defendants were presumed to be innocent until proven guilty according to Section 146 sub 1 of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
He noted that the essence of bail was to ensure their presence, and he guaranteed that the accused will be available to stand trial before the court.
Assuring the court of the availability of the suspects during trial, he added that the defendants would not tamper with the investigation.
Ruling, the Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Solomon Ogungade ordered the remand of the suspects in custody and consequently adjourned the ruling on the bail application to May 12.
Recall that the Olujare stool, which is a prestigious first-class traditional title, became vacant four years ago following the demise of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun, Kokotiri II.
Since then, the community has awaited the selection of a new ruler, but the process has been marred by disputes.
