Contempt: Osun Monarch Pleads Guilty, Convicted by Court

A traditional ruler in Osun State, the Olokini of Okini, Oba Akadiri Okanola was on Friday convicted by a magistrate court, sitting in Osogbo.

Oba Okanola and his Secretary, Suleiman Rasaki were convicted for contempt of court by magistrate Olusola Aluko, who had earlier ordered the arrested of the monarch.

Appearing before the court on Friday, Oba Okanola and Rasaki pleaded guilty to the charge.

Defence counsel, Mr Abimbola Ige, prayed the magistrate to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the accused persons.

Magistrate Aluko, however, convicted the traditional ruler and his secretary.

The 65-year-old monarch and Rasaki, 47, were however, cautioned and freed on self recognition by the magistrate.

Prosecuting counsel, Mr Muyiwa Ogunleye, said the traditional ruler had refused to show up in a case of threat to life, assault, trespass and conspiracy without any genuine reason.

Ogunleye told the court that Oba Okanola and his secretary Rasaki committed the offence on December 2, 2012 at about 3:00 pm at Awoniyi Street, Okini.

The prosecutor alleged that the accused persons conspired to breach the peace of the area by unlawfully entering into a piece of land belonging to one Rasheed Awoniyi.

He alleged that the accused persons organised some thugs to attack some bricklayers carrying out their jobs on the land in questioned.

According to Ogunleye, the alleged offence contravened Section 133 (2 ) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

The case was adjourned till April 7.