Police Arrest Self-Proclaimed Monarch in Ondo Over Alleged Illegal Installation
By Exponent News Akure, 8th May, 2025.
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Prince Adekolajo Aladeseyi for allegedly proclaiming himself as the Olujare of Ijare without following due process. He was apprehended alongside four others on Wednesday in Ijare, a community in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
According to the police, the installation was carried out without the consent of the appropriate authorities, including the local and state governments, prompting concerns about a possible breach of peace in the area.
The Olujare stool, a prestigious first-class kingship, became vacant following the death of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun, Kokotiri II, four years ago. The process to fill the vacancy has remained contentious.
Confirming the arrest, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Olutokunbo Afolabi, said Aladeseyi’s action was illegal and posed a threat to public order. He noted that the suspects would be prosecuted according to the law.
Sources within the community revealed that some kingmakers and members of the royal family opposed the installation, claiming they were not involved in the selection process, as mandated by tradition and law.
