The Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, was arraigned on Tuesday at the Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court, Iyaganku, for allegedly forging the signature of Prince Azeez Adewale Oyebunmi in a case that occurred in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The monarch faces a two-count charge of forgery and felony.
The charges, as outlined in the charge sheet marked MI/145C/2025, accuse Oba Oyetunji of conspiring with others to commit the offense.
The first charge states that on June 11, 2020, in Ajaawa town, within the Ogbomoso Magisterial district, he conspired with others to commit forgery, an offense punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Volume 11, Laws of Oyo State, 2020.
The second charge involves Oba Oyetunji and others at large allegedly forging Prince Azeez Oyewale Oyebunmi’s signature on a letter titled “Withdrawal from the vacant stool of Alajaawa race,” dated June 11, 2020.
This act is said to contravene Section 465 and be punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Volume 11, Laws of Oyo State, 2020.
Oba Oyetunji pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi.
His legal counsel, Barrister O.K. Animashaun, requested bail for the monarch on liberal terms, a request which was not opposed by the prosecution, represented by N. Ojei.
The prosecution plans to call three witnesses, including Prince Azeez Oyewale Oyebunmi, Prince Gideon Adeboye Oyekunle, and the Investigating Police Officer, to support their case. Barrister A.O. Oloyede, representing Princes Oyewunmi and Oyekunle, also did not object to the bail request.
Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi granted the accused bail in the sum of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) with one surety in a similar amount.
The case has been adjourned to July 22, 2025, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, Hon. Adeboye Ojo, Chairman of Ogo Oluwa Local Government, stated that efforts are underway to settle the matter amicably.
“We have been holding meetings with all parties involved, and another meeting will take place tomorrow. With God’s grace, we hope to resolve the case out of court soon,” Ojo added.
