There was tension at an Osun State High Court in Ede on Monday after police operatives arrested the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, shortly after a court session.
Drivetvnews gathered that the monarch had appeared before Justice Kudirat Akano alongside four other defendants — Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran, and Sarafadeen Abioye — over allegations linked to arson and related offences.
According to the prosecution, the defendants were accused of attacking women engaged in palm oil processing at a farm located in Iloba within the Ede Judicial Division on September 3, 2019. They were alleged to have carried firearms and other dangerous weapons during the incident, carting away about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernels, palm fruits, goats, and other valuables reportedly worth around N10 million.
During the hearing, defence counsel M. Atobatele presented four witnesses, including three police officers and the palace secretary.
One of the witnesses, Assistant Superintendent of Police Akindosu Olusoji, told the court that he served at the Ido-Osun Police Division between 2019 and 2021. He explained that the monarch initially reported the destruction of his farm to the police, leading officers to visit the location for investigation.
Olusoji stated that upon arriving at the farm, he met a pastor and several labourers spraying chemicals on maize crops. According to him, the pastor claimed ownership of the farmland, prompting the police to arrest him and others at the scene while investigations continued.
The officer further informed the court that none of the defendants standing trial were arrested by him, adding that they were the individuals who originally lodged the complaint with the police.
After listening to the proceedings, Justice Akano adjourned the case until June 17 for further hearing.
However, moments after the court session ended, police operatives arrested the traditional ruler within the court premises and subsequently took him away.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the arrest was carried out based on a valid court order and remand warrant. He added that the monarch had been remanded at the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre in compliance with the court’s directive.
