The Oyo State High Court on Wednesday adjourned the trial of 27 Yoruba Nation agitators until November 13, 2024.
The agitators, facing charges for their role in an alleged attempt to declare a Yoruba Nation at the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, on April 13, 2024, entered their pleas before Justice K.B. Olawoyin.
The proceedings are being held at Fiat Court 3, State High Court, Ring Road, under case number I/51c/2024, where all defendants appeared before the court.
Justice Olawoyin, presiding over the trial, adjourned the matter to November 13, 2024, when further hearings will resume.
The defendants include Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, Olalere Mathew, Ismaila Malomo Peter, Fatoki Anthony, Muritala Abefe, Ismaila Adepoju, Fatunmbi Wasiu, Isaac Friday, Ayanwale Saburi, Adeola Elegbede, Ademola Adeniyi, Ogundeji Alabi, Ojo Olufemi, Ajani Ezekiel, and Ayoola David.
However, Adejumo Lateef, the 18th defendant, passed away before the trial began.
Additional defendants are Adesokan Hameed, Abiona Esther, Omoyajowo Funsho, Tola Olufemi, Oritola Alabi, Kayode Fakeye, and Taiwo Titilayo.
Together, they face five charges: conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. S.O. Adeoye, includes a team of senior legal experts: Deputy DPP O.R. Yussuf, DDPP O.S. Tella, and Senior State Counsels S.A. Osuolale, Isa Busari, and O.A. Bolarinwa.
According to official court documents, “The offence was committed on April 13, 2024, within the Ibadan Judicial Division, contrary to and punishable under section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
As the trial advances, the defendants and prosecution prepare for the next phase, with the state government committed to pressing forward with its legal challenge against the agitators.
The court is set to reconvene on November 13, 2024, continuing a high-profile case that holds considerable interest among the public.
