Osun monarch detained over chiefs’ installation ceremony freed

A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State, on Monday, granted bail to the Alayedun of Ayedun, Okinni kingdom, Azeez Agboola Obasanjo, who was detained by police for planning to install his chiefs. 

 The traditional ruler appointed some individuals in his domain as Eesa, Jagun, Otun, Iyalode and Agbakin of Ayedun land and fixed November 3 for the installation ceremony.

 Following a compliant by chairman of Egbedore Area Council, Olalekan Moshood Olawale, police invited the traditional ruler on November 2 and detained him till Monday 6th that he was arraigned in court.

 The charge sheet reads: That you Chief Agboola Azeez ‘M’, on or about the same date, time, place and in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did conduct yourself in a manner likely to cause breach of the public peace by parading yourself as a king and attempting to install traditional titles without lawful authority, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

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 After listening to police prosecutor, Olusegun Elisha and the defence counsel, Naim Adekilekun, Magistrate Segun Ayilara granted bail to the traditional ruler and adjourned the case till December 12. 

 The State Ministry of Justice through the Department of Public Defender and Center for Citizens Rights had cleared the traditional ruler and advised the council chairman to allow the installation ceremony to hold.

 The Ministry of Justice also directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to provide security for the Installation ceremony of the chiefs but police declined. 

The indigenes and residents of the town said their traditional ruler did not commit offence by the appointment of chiefs and condemned his incarceration by the police since Thursday.

 They lamented that the action of the police caused unnecessary tension in the town and that food prepared to entertain guests at the installation ceremony wasted away. 

 Speaking on behalf of Ayedun Royal Family, Prince Opeyemi Agboola called of the IGP to intervene and prevail on the Osun State Police Command to allow the traditional ruler to install his chiefs in accordance with the custom and tradition of the town.