Osun monarch arrest sparks drama as police detain Elegbedi of Egbedi after court hearing in Ede over robbery and arson allegations

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday, 25 May 2026, arrested the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, within the premises of the Osun State High Court sitting in Ede, Osun State, shortly after proceedings in an ongoing criminal case involving allegations of arson and armed robbery.

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The Osun monarch arrest followed the monarch’s appearance before Justice Kudirat Akano alongside Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran and Sarafadeen Abioye over allegations linked to a 2019 incident at a farm in Iloba within the Ede Judicial Division.

The defendants were accused of allegedly robbing Wasilatu Akinola and several women processing palm oil of about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats and other domestic animals reportedly valued at nearly N10 million.

Prosecutors further alleged that the suspects were armed with firearms and other offensive weapons during the incident.

Drama unfolded during the hearing when defence counsel, M. Atobatele, called four witnesses, including three police officers and the palace secretary.

One of the witnesses, Assistant Superintendent of Police Akindosu Olusoji, testified that the monarch had initially reported the alleged destruction of his farm to the police.

According to the officer, investigations at the farm revealed labourers spraying chemicals on maize crops, leading to the arrest of individuals found at the scene.

The officer told the court that none of the defendants standing trial were arrested by him during the initial investigation, adding that they had approached the police as complainants.

Justice Akano later adjourned the matter until 17 June for continuation of hearing. However, moments after the proceedings ended, police operatives reportedly moved swiftly to arrest the royal father within the court premises before taking him away.

Confirming the development, Osun State Police Command spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said the arrest was carried out in compliance with a valid court directive.

Ojelabi stated that the operatives acted strictly on a court-issued arrest and remand warrant, adding that Oba Muideen Azeez had subsequently been remanded at the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre.

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The Osun monarch arrest has since generated widespread reactions within the state, with observers describing the courtroom development as both tense and unprecedented.