Omotayo Adigun
Chief Magistrate Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand in prison of a 67-year-old man, Adekolajo Aladeseye, for allegedly installing and parading himself as the monarch of Ijare in the Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
Aladeseye was arrested on Wednesday by the Ondo State Police Command along with three others – Fasore Lawrence, Ajidahun Abraham, and Adegbenro Akanle – for allegedly taking part in an unauthorized coronation. The four defendants were subsequently arraigned before the magistrate court on a three-count charge encompassing conspiracy, unlawful installation, and engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
According to the police prosecutor, Babatunde Ajiboye, the defendants acted in concert and conducted themselves in a manner that could incite public disorder.
The charge sheet detailed the allegations, stating that on April 15, 2025, at approximately 1:00 AM in Ijare town, the defendants conspired to commit a misdemeanor, specifically conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 517 (A) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The second count accused the defendants of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace by illegally and purportedly installing Adekolajo Aladeseye as the Olujare of Ijare without the explicit approval of the Ondo State Executive Council of Chiefs, an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
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The final count alleged that the defendants installed or purported to install Adekolajo Aladeseye as the Olujare of Ijare without the requisite approval from the Ondo State Executive Council of Chiefs, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 15(1) (2) (a) (b) of the Ondo State Chiefs Law Cap. 27 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the three charges brought against them.
The defense counsel, Adelanke Akinrata, appealed to the court to grant bail to the defendants, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 146(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. Akinrata described his clients as responsible community leaders who would not incite further unrest.
However, Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Ogungade ruled that the defendants be remanded in custody pending the determination of their bail application. The court adjourned the ruling on the bail application to May 12, 2025.