The Olu of Obafe in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Taofeek Owolabi Olukayode, has been arraigned before the Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Owode-Egba on charges of fraud, conspiracy and assault on a law enforcement officer.
The embattled monarch alongside other yet-to-be-apprehended accomplices, faces allegations tied to a fraudulent land deal worth N75 million.
Appearing before Senior Magistrate M.O. Somefun, the monarch was charged with deceitfully obtaining the substantial sum from one Dr Michael Adeyemi under the pretence of selling 500 acres of land in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
According to court documents, the alleged fraudulent activities took place between September 18, 2023, and August 20, 2024.
Prosecuting the case, Senior State Counsel, Timilehin Oredein said the N75 million was supposedly paid for the land, which the monarch knew was part of a fraudulent scheme.
He added that the charge constitutes a violation of Section 419 of the Ogun State Criminal Code Law of 2006, which penalizes obtaining money through false pretences.
The monarch is also accused of converting the entire sum to his personal use, an offence punishable under Sections 383 and 390 of the same law.
The case has gained heightened attention not only due to the weight of the financial fraud but also because of a related charge of assault.
The monarch allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted ASP Oriade David, a law enforcement officer, during his apprehension on October 21, 2024.
The altercation reportedly led to the destruction of the officer’s eyeglasses, valued at N8,500, in violation of Section 356 of the Criminal Code Law.
The prosecution, led by Timilehin Oredein on behalf of the Attorney General, pressed for the court to consider the gravity of the offences.
Despite the severity of the charges, the court granted Oba Olukayode bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties of equal value.
The case has been adjourned to November 25, 2024, as the court prepares for what many expect to be a high-profile trial.
