Egba Chiefs Sentenced for Defying Local Government Orders

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced five Egba chiefs to six months imprisonment for damaging a sealed notice and removing caution tape placed by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni Igbore House.

The court, however, gave them the option of paying a N50,000 fine each.

The convicted chiefs—Anthony Ogunseye (55), the Apena of Igbore; Ajasa Enisemo (67); Saheed Sanusi (50); Oludotun Oliyide (60); and Fatai Mutairu (63)—faced a four-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and stealing.

Delivering her verdict on Wednesday, Magistrate E.O. Ogunyemi stated, “The prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused are guilty as charged. I, therefore, sentence each of them to six months imprisonment or the option of a N50,000 fine.”

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The prosecutor, Inspector Olaide Rawlings, told the court that the incident occurred on March 21, 2023, around 12:15 pm at the Ogboni House in the Igbore area of Abeokuta.

According to Rawlings, the chiefs had conspired to remove a sealed letter and caution tape affixed by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni House, which had been sealed for security reasons due to a crisis over a chieftaincy title.

The prosecutor further alleged that the chiefs stole two billboards placed on the doors of the Ogboni House by the local government.

Tensions had been high in the area following the crisis, prompting the local government to seal the house to maintain peace. However, the actions of the chiefs were said to have disrupted this effort, resulting in the charges brought against them.

Magistrate Ogunyemi’s judgment reflects the seriousness of the offence, emphasizing the need for respecting government actions intended to ensure public safety.