A Magistrate Court sitting in Mowe, Ogun State, has ordered the remand of a 56-year-old traditional ruler, Babatunde Akanni Sonola, over alleged attempted murder and grievous bodily harm in Makogi community, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
Sonola was arraigned alongside two other defendants, Dimeji Adigun Mustapha (25) and Taoheed Sonola (43), on four counts bordering on attempted murder and grievous bodily harm.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly attacked Kehinde Owoseni, who reportedly sustained severe head injuries during the incident. They were also accused of attempting to murder Saheed Ojekunle, whose hand and leg were said to have been nearly severed by machete cuts, as well as another victim, Afeez Kazeem.
A source familiar with the case told Starnews NG that the monarch was remanded in prison custody on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following his arraignment. However, he later perfected his bail on Monday, December 22, 2025.
“The court granted him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a second-class traditional ruler. He was also ordered to maintain peace pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),” the source said.
Residents of Makogi community welcomed the court’s decision, urging that justice be allowed to take its full course.
“We appreciate the courage of the court so far. Justice must prevail for the victims who nearly lost their lives,” a community source said.
Community members further alleged that Sonola, also known as Tallman, has a long-standing reputation for abusing his traditional position to intimidate residents and unlawfully seize lands, allegedly with the backing of suspected cultists.
Residents have called on the Ogun State Government and security agencies to closely monitor the case and ensure that justice is not compromised, regardless of the social status of those involved.
The case was adjourned to February 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The dispute is reportedly linked to a long-running land conflict in the area. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Sonola was accused of selling parcels of land allegedly belonging to the Osho Kanakana family, despite repeated warnings and legal notices.
Several residents claimed that opposition to the alleged land sales was met with violent attacks, destruction of property, and threats to life by suspected cultists said to be loyal to the monarch.
Victims, including traders and elderly residents, alleged that their homes and shops were attacked, properties destroyed, and family members forced to flee the community for safety.
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