Police Arraign Ondo Monarch Over Alleged Defamation Of Character

By Ranti Thomas

The Onirun of Irun Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Samuel Agboola, has been arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Akure, the state capital, on Monday by the state Police Command for allegedly involving in defamation of character.

The traditional ruler, who was arraigned on a one-count charge of defamation of character, was alleged to have defamed a community leader, Mr Adeyemi Lanre,  saying the latter sponsored some thugs to disrupt the peace in the Irun Akoko community.

The charge sheet reads, “That you Oba Samuel Bayode Agboola ‘m’ on the 10th day of August 2023 at about 1130hrs at the office of Honorable Commissioner of Chieftaincy Affairs, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State in the Akure magisterial district did defame the reputation of one Hon. Adeyemi Laoye Lanre ‘m’ for alleging him of sponsoring thugs in Irun Akoko, Ondo State which expose him to hatred, contempt or ridicule and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 373 and punishable under Section 375 of the criminal code cap 37 Vol.1, Laws of the Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.”

The prosecutor, Mr Tobi Agbisagbo, told the court that the action of Oba Agboola had exposed the claimant to hatred, contempt, and ridicule in the community.

According to him, the defendant had committed an offence contrary to Section 373 and punishable under Section 375 of the criminal Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The case has, however, been adjourned till December 13, 2023, for a proper hearing by the court.