An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has struck out the attempted murder and land grabbing charges filed against Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko, sparking outrage from complainants who described the development as a betrayal of justice.
Oba Akinola and 14 others were arraigned in November 2023 by the Oyo State Government on a 27-count charge bordering on attempted murder, assault, robbery, stealing, and land grabbing. However, during Monday’s court session, Justice Kareem Adedokun removed the monarch’s name from the charge sheet following an application by the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo.
Prosecuting Counsel Mr. I.O. Abdulazeez told the court that he was directed by the Attorney-General to withdraw the case against Oba Akinola, who was listed as the second defendant. No official reason was provided for the decision.
With the monarch discharged, the court adjourned proceedings against the remaining 14 defendants to September 18, 2025. Justice Adedokun ordered their counsel, Mr. O.A. Okeyinka, to ensure all defendants appear on the new date.
Reacting to the withdrawal, one of the complainants, Dr. Isaac Abiodun, the CEO of Tropical Culture Farm, expressed dismay over the decision, calling it a grim signal for the future of criminal justice in the state.
“This is a travesty of justice. Oba Akinola was the principal suspect in a case where overwhelming evidence was presented — including proof of him supervising the torture of three villagers in his palace,” Abiodun said.
He further alleged that the monarch’s actions led to severe injuries and the destruction of valuable properties in Aagba village, adding that the Attorney-General’s directive not only undermines due process but has shattered the community’s hope for justice.
“We’ve been living in fear. We can’t even go back to our farms since the last attack that led to the burning down of our village. This is injustice against the common man,” he lamented.
The nominal complainants — Abiodun and the people of Aagba — had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, prompting a federal investigation before the case was transferred to the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.
The remaining defendants, including several community leaders and individuals from Oko, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial continues on September 18.
