A Chief Magistrate Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a 67-year-old man, Adekolajo Aladeseye, for allegedly proclaiming himself as the traditional ruler of Ijare, located in Ifedore Local Government Area.
Aladeseye was apprehended on Wednesday by officers of the Ondo State Police Command after he allegedly crowned himself as the monarch with the assistance of three others—Fasore Lawrence, Ajidahun Abraham, and Adegbenro Akanle—without authorization from the state authorities.
All four individuals were brought before the court on a three-count charge, which includes conspiracy, illegal installation of a monarch, and conduct likely to incite public disturbance.
According to the prosecution led by Babatunde Ajiboye, the defendants acted in a way that could provoke public unrest and disorder.
The charge sheet stated that on April 15, 2025, around 1:00 a.m. in Ijare, the accused, along with others who remain at large, allegedly conspired to commit acts likely to disrupt public peace—offenses punishable under Section 517 (A) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
It was further alleged that the group unlawfully and without government approval, installed Aladeseye as the Olujare of Ijare, thereby violating Section 249 (d) of the same Criminal Code. Additionally, their actions breached Section 15(1)(2)(a)(b) of the Ondo State Chiefs Law, Cap 27, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Defense counsel, Adelanke Akinrata, appealed to the court to grant bail to his clients, referencing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 146(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. He argued that the defendants are respected members of the community who pose no threat of causing further unrest.
Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Ogungade directed that the defendants be held in custody pending a decision on their bail request. The court adjourned the bail ruling to May 12, 2025.
