Drama as police arrest Osun monarch in court

Drama unfolded at the Osun State High Court in Ede on Monday when police operatives arrested a traditional ruler, the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, within the court premises. The monarch had appeared before Justice Kudirat Akano to face charges bordering on arson and robbery.

Oba Azeez, along with four co-defendants, is accused of robbing women of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats, and other domestic animals valued at approximately N10 million on September 3, 2019. The alleged incident occurred at a farm in Iloba, within the Ede Judicial Division, where the defendants were reportedly armed with firearms and offensive weapons.

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The officers acted strictly based on a court order. There was an arrest and remand warrant issued by a court.

During the court session, the defense counsel presented four witnesses, including three police operatives and the palace secretary. One police operative, Assistant Superintendent of Police Akindosu Olusoji, testified that the monarch had initially reported the destruction of his farm, leading to the arrest of laborers. However, he stated he never arrested any of the defendants, who he claimed came to complain.

Despite the ongoing court proceedings, which were adjourned to June 17, police operatives apprehended Oba Azeez immediately after the session. The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest, explaining that officers executed a court order and remand warrant. The monarch was subsequently remanded in the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre.

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He was arrested and remanded in the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre based on a court order.