Osun Monarch and Four Others Remanded in Court Over Alleged Arson

The Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, along with four co-defendants, was remanded in the Ile-Ife Custodial Centre on Thursday after failing to secure their bail in a trial concerning alleged arson and damage to a farm in Iloba town.

The defendants—Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran, and Sarafadeen Abioye—are facing 29 charges, including arson and robbery, in an Osun State High Court in Ede.

They were initially arraigned on June 27, 2024.

The charge sheet outlines the offenses allegedly committed by the defendants, stating in part that, “Oba Muideen Olanivi Azeez (A.K.A Asemalu,) Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo (A.K.A. Kola Isah), Rasidi Ayandiran, Sarafadeen Abioye and others at large, on or about September 3, 2019, at a farm in Oloba within the Ede Judicial Division, while armed with firearms and offensive weapons, robbed Wasilatu Akinola and other women processing palm oil with her of about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats and other domestic animals valued at about N10m, and at, or immediately before or immediately after the time of the robbery did use personal violence to the said Wasilatu Akinola and other women with her.

“Oba Muideen Olanivi Azeez (A.k.a Asemalu,) Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo (A.k.a. Kola Isah), Rasidi Ayandiran, Sarafadeen Abioye and others at large, on September 3, 2019, at a farm in Iloba within Ede Judicial Division willingly and unlawfully set the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Oloba of Iloba and other buildings in Iloba town on fire.”

The offenses were reported to violate Sections 402, 403A, 443, 2(1), and 249(1) of the State Criminal Law 2002.

During the proceedings on September 26, 2024, Justice Kudirat Akano approved bail for the defendants at N5 million, requiring two sureties each: one must be a level 16 civil servant with property in the court’s jurisdiction, and the other a part-two monarch.

Unable to meet these conditions, the defendants were seen being taken back to the correctional center around 2:10 pm. Prosecutor Mr. Abiodun Badiora and defense attorney Mr. Bukola Atobatele represented their respective sides.

A witness, Mustafa Waheed, testified that the Elegbedi assaulted him after he attempted to report the monarch for damaging his farm.

Justice Akano adjourned the case to October 16 for further hearings.