By Charles Maduka
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a 67-year-old man, Adekolajo Aladeseye, and four others for allegedly installing and parading himself as the traditional ruler of Ijare, a town in Ifedore Local Government Area, without government approval.
Aladeseye was arrested by the police alongside Fasore Lawrence, Ajidahun Abraham, and Adegbenro Akanle after he allegedly crowned himself as the Olujare of Ijare on April 15, 2025. The accused were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful installation, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
Police prosecutor, Babatunde Ajiboye, told the court that the accused conspired and carried out the illegal installation in a way that could provoke civil unrest in the community.
The charge sheet stated that the accused, along with others still at large, acted contrary to Sections 517(A), 249(d), and 15(1)(2)(a)(b) of the Ondo State Criminal Code and Chiefs Law, which require executive council approval before any traditional ruler can be installed.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their legal counsel, Adelanke Akinrata, appealed to the court for bail, arguing that his clients were respected community leaders and had no intent to disturb the peace further.
Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Ogungade ordered their remand in prison custody while adjourning the ruling on the bail application to May 12, 2025.
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