An Ondo State traditional chief, Ojo Olomolekulo, along with Isaac Oloyede and Kehinde Tope, appeared before an Akure Magistrates’ Court accused of assaulting villagers.
The charges stem from an incident on December 15, 2024, where Iyabo Ajibade and Thompson Owoyemi were allegedly flogged and injured for refusing to pay what they deemed an illegal toll at Yale Camp in Idanre Local Government Area.
Additionally, Chief Ojo faces a separate charge of illegally selling part of a government forest reserve to two different individuals.
The defendants violated Sections 38, 274 and 351 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
They pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against them.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr. O.A. Oladunjoye, urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms, but the prosecuting counsel, Mr. O.A. Iroaye, opposed the request for bails and out-of-court settlement.
According to Iroaye, the Baale has constituted himself into a nuisance and terror in the community.
“It is rather disturbing that a traditional leader who should be a custodian of peace is now facing allegations of intimidation and illegal land deals,” Iroaye said.
In his ruling, Magistrate Taiwo Lebi ordered the Baale to immediately halt all forms of collections from villagers, warning him to steer clear of actions capable of causing a breach of peace in the community.
June 20, 2025, has been fixed for further hearing.
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