The Osun State Government has dragged the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez In Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, to a High Court sitting in Ede on Wednesday over alleged conspiracy, robbery, burning of palace, destruction of farm crops, threat to life and forceful entry of land.

Oba Azeez, who was dragged to court through the Ministry of Justice with charge number HED/02C/2024 with four others, including Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran and Sarafadeen Abioye on 29 counts, however pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences.
Osun Counsel, Dele Akintayo, stated the monarch with other defendants committed the offences between September 2019 and May 2022 at a farm in Iloba area.

He disclosed that the defendants used firearms and dangerous weapons to rob one Wasilatu Akinola and others of 70 kegs of palm oil, goats and other farm produce worth N10 million.

“They also allegedly committed arson by burning the palace of Oloba of Iloba, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi and other buildings, damaged palm oil factory of N15m of Opeoluwa Integrated Farming Resources Limited, destroyed crops worth N120million, threatened the life of one Akinsanya Timothy Abiola among others,” the charge reads.

He noted they committed offences contrary to Sections 2(1), 249(1) 402, 403(A), 443 and 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 34 Laws of Osun State 2002.
After they commenced the hearing, the State prosecutor called a witness, Abiodun Oladapo, who disclosed the defendants have crippled the farming activities which covers about 127 acres of land in four different locations in the area.
“The defendants came with tractors and bulldozers to clear my farm. They have led us to total bankruptcy as we’ve lost more than N200 million,” he claimed.

The counsel to the defendants, Bukola Atobatele urged the court to admit the defendant to bail on personal recognition or use the bail earlier granted at the Magistrate Court for them which was opposed by the prosecutor.
Subsequently, the presiding judge, Justice Kudirat Akano adjourned the matter to July 4th 2024 for ruling on bail application.