Prominent Ondo Traditional Ruler Arraigned for Brutally Flogging Villagers

• The Baale of Yale Camp, Ojo Olomolekulo, and two accomplices were arraigned for flogging villagers refusing to pay illegal toll fees in Ondo state
• Besides assault, Ojo faces charges for illegally selling parts of a government forest reserve; all defendants pleaded not guilty
• Court ordered the Baale to stop toll collections immediately and adjourned the case to June 20, 2025, amid calls for strict action by the prosecutor

Idanre, Ondo state - The Baale of Yale Camp in Bolorunduro, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo state, Ojo Olomolekulo, was arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court for allegedly flogging and brutalising villagers who refused to pay a toll fee.

Ojo appeared alongside two accomplices, Isaac Oloyede and Kehinde Tope.

Assault charges over toll fee dispute

The defendants were accused of flogging and inflicting injuries on Iyabo Ajibade and Thompson Owoyemi on December 15, 2024, after the pair rejected what they deemed an illegal toll gate fee.

Besides assault, Ojo was also charged with unlawfully selling parts of a government-owned forest reserve to two different buyers.

They were charged with breaching Sections 351, 38, and 274 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo state, 2006. The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges, Nation reported.

Prosecutor calls for strict action against Baale

The arraignment has sparked outrage among residents, who described the Baale’s actions as a betrayal of his role as a community leader.

Many called for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims, insisting that traditional authority should not be used to intimidate or oppress the people.

Counsel for the defendants, O.A. Oladunjoye, requested bail, but prosecuting counsel O.A. Iroaye opposed, arguing that the Baale was a menace to the community.

“It is rather disturbing that a traditional leader who should be a custodian of peace is now facing allegations of intimidation and illegal land deals,” Iroaye said.

Court orders immediate halt to toll collections

Presiding Magistrate Taiwo Lebi ordered the Baale to immediately cease all toll collections from villagers and warned him against actions that could disturb community peace, Nigerian Tribune reported

The case was adjourned to June 20, 2025, for further hearing.

Olubadan suspends 2 chiefs over land grabbing

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has taken firm action against two traditional chiefs (Mogajis) from the Ibadan area, suspending them indefinitely over accusations of land grabbing.

The suspended chiefs are Mogaji Kukula Kamorudeen Kolawole of the Kukula family in Oke-Ofa Baba Isale, Ibadan North East Local Government, and Mogaji Samsudeen Bello of the Ekerin Ajengbe family, Isale Osi in Ibadan South West Local Government.

The suspension order, which takes immediate effect, was issued during the Olubadan Land Matters Committee meeting held at the Old Olubadan Palace in Ibadan on Thursday, May 8.

Source: Legit.ng