Oba Samuel Agboola, the Onirun of Irun Akoko in the Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been charged today by the Ondo State Police Command in a magistrate court in Akure, the state capital, for allegedly engaging in defamatory speech.
According to reports, the traditional ruler attacked Mr. Adeyemi Lanre, a community leader, by claiming that he had hired some goons to disturb the tranquility in the Irun Akoko community.
He was charged with defamation of character on a single count at his court appearance.
The charge read, “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 until December 13, 2023, for a proper hearing by the court.
Morenikeji Adedayo is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
