Police officers on Monday arrested the Elegbedi of Egbedi Oba Muideen Azeez within the premises of the Osun State High Court in Ede following a bench warrant issued against him.
The king was arrested shortly after appearing before Justice Kudirat Akano in a case involving allegations of arson and destruction of farmland and crops.
Oba Azeez appeared in court alongside Akeeb Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran and Sarafadeen Abioye.
According to court documents, the defendants were accused of robbing Wasilatu Akinola and other women processing palm oil at a farm in Iloba within the Ede Judicial Division on September 3, 2019.
They were alleged to have taken about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats and other items said to be worth about N10 million.
During Monday’s proceedings, defence counsel M.A. Atobatele called four witnesses, including three police officers and the palace secretary.
One of the witnesses, Assistant Superintendent of Police Akindosu Olusoji, told the court that the king had initially reported the destruction of his farm to the police.
Justice Akano later adjourned the case till June 17 for continuation of hearing.
After the court session, police officers attached to the Prompt Response Unit arrested the monarch within the court premises.
Court documents showed that Justice L.O. Arojo had earlier issued a bench warrant against Oba Azeez and one Kabiru Raheem on May 18, after they failed to appear in another case filed by the Osun State Government.
The suit, filed by the state attorney general, accused the defendants of forceful entry into a farmland in Iloba town and destruction of crops said to be worth over N17 million.
The court ordered the police to arrest the defendants and remand them at the Ilesa or Ile-Ife correctional facility pending their appearance before the court on June 5.
Spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the arrest.
“The officers acted strictly based on a court order. There was an arrest and remand warrant issued by a court,” he said.
