The Olu of Obafe in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Taofeek Owolabi Olukayode, has been arraigned before the Magistrates’ Court in Owode-Egba on charges of fraud, conspiracy, and assault on a law enforcement officer.
The embattled monarch, along with yet-to-be-apprehended accomplices, faces allegations related to a fraudulent land deal valued at N75 million.
Appearing before Senior Magistrate M.O. Somefun, Oba Olukayode was charged with deceitfully obtaining this substantial amount from Dr. Michael Adeyemi, under the pretense of selling 500 acres of land in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area. According to court documents, the alleged fraudulent activities occurred between September 18, 2023, and August 20, 2024.
Senior State Counsel Timilehin Oredein, prosecuting the case, stated that the N75 million was allegedly paid for land that the monarch knew was part of a fraudulent scheme. He noted that this charge violates Section 419 of the Ogun State Criminal Code Law of 2006, which penalizes obtaining money through false pretenses. The monarch is also accused of converting the entire sum for his personal use, an offence punishable under Sections 383 and 390 of the same law.
The case has attracted significant attention not only due to the financial fraud but also because of a related charge of assault. The monarch allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted ASP Oriade David, a law enforcement officer, during his apprehension on October 21, 2024. The altercation reportedly resulted in the destruction of the officer’s eyeglasses, valued at N8,500, in violation of Section 356 of the Criminal Code Law.
Despite the severity of the charges, the court granted Oba Olukayode bail in the sum of N10 million, requiring two sureties of equal value. The case has been adjourned to November 25, 2024, as the court prepares for what many anticipate will be a high-profile trial.