By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Akure
AKURE: A major twist has emerged in the lingering kingship tussle in Ijare, Ondo State, as a Magistrates’ Court in Akure has ordered the remand of a 67-year-old man, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, who controversially crowned himself as the Olujare of Ijare, alongside two others, over what authorities described as a breach of public peace and a violation of the state’s chieftaincy laws.
Aladeseyi, parading himself as the traditional ruler of Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area, was arraigned on Thursday along with Fasore Lawrence, 63, and Adegbenro Akanle, 43, following their arrest by the police. The Ondo State Police Command, acting on the directive of the state government, charged the trio with conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and unlawful assumption of a chieftaincy title.
Police Commissioner Olutokunbo Afolabi said the arrest was necessary to forestall chaos in the community, which has been without a monarch since the death of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun (Kokotiri II) four years ago.
“The installation did not follow due process and had no backing from the local government or the state. It was illegal, and we had to step in to prevent breakdown of law and order,” Afolabi stated.
In court, the police prosecutor, Babatunde Ajiboye, said the accused conspired to carry out an unauthorized installation in the early hours of April 15, 2025, an act that violated Section 517 (A) of the Criminal Code of Ondo State. He disclosed that seven witnesses would testify during the trial and that evidence had already been gathered.
The three men pleaded not guilty to the charges. Lead counsel to the defendants, Adelanke Akinrata, urged the court to grant them bail in liberal terms, arguing that they remain innocent until proven guilty. He assured the court that the accused would be available for trial and would not interfere with the concluded investigations.
However, Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Solomon Ogungbade ordered the suspects to be remanded in custody and postponed the ruling on their bail application to May 12.
The Olujare stool, a prestigious first-class traditional title, has remained vacant since 2021. Although the community has been eager for a new monarch, the selection process has been dogged by controversy, rival claims, and allegations of procedural irregularities.
The unfolding courtroom battle may further complicate the search for a new Olujare and deepen the crisis in the ancient town.