The Onirun of Irun Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Samuel Agboola, found himself facing legal proceedings on Monday. The Ondo State Police Command brought the traditional ruler before a magistrate court in Akure, the state capital.
The charge against Oba Agboola centered on an accusation of defamation of character, specifically involving a community leader named Mr. Adeyemi Lanre.
Allegedly, Oba Agboola claimed that Lanre had sponsored thugs to disrupt the peace in the Irun Akoko community. The monarch was formally arraigned on a one-count charge related to defamation of character. The charge specified that the alleged defamation occurred on the 10th day of August 2023 at the office of the Honorable Commissioner of Chieftaincy Affairs in Alagbaka, Akure.
The charge read, “That you Oba Samuel Bayode Agboola ‘m’ on the 10th day of August 2023 at about 1130hrs at the office of Honorable Commissioner of Chieftaincy Affairs, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State in the Akure magisterial district did defame the reputation of one Hon. Adeyemi Laoye Lanre ‘m’ for alleging him of sponsoring thugs in Irun Akoko, Ondo State which expose him to hatred, contempt or ridicule and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 373 and punishable under Section 375 of the criminal code cap 37 Vol.1, Laws of the Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.”
The prosecutor, Mr. Tobi Agbisagbo, informed the court that Oba Agboola’s actions had exposed Lanre to hatred, contempt, and ridicule within the community. According to Agbisagbo, the monarch had allegedly violated Section 373 and could be held accountable under Section 375 of the criminal code, as per the Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
Despite not being physically present in court and lacking legal representation, the first-class monarch responded that his attorney would adequately address the charges on the next adjourned date. The case has been scheduled for a proper hearing on December 13, 2023.
IMAGE: New Telegraph
