By Abdulraheem Kawthar Adenike | Fact Frontier.
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On Monday, May 25, 2026, police officers arrested Oba Muideen Azeez, the Elegbedi of Egbedi, at the Osun State High Court in Ede. The traditional ruler was taken into custody based on a bench warrant, and later remanded at the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre. He is facing charges of armed robbery and arson.
The arrest took place shortly before midday. Oba Azeez arrived at the court for a scheduled hearing when plain-clothes police officers approached him in the court corridor. They informed him that a bench warrant had been issued for his arrest. The warrant, dated May 18, 2026, was signed by Justice L.O. Arojo. The monarch initially questioned the grounds for his arrest, but after the officers presented the court order, he complied. Court staff, lawyers, and other visitors watched as the monarch was led away in handcuffs and placed in a police vehicle.
The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the arrest in a statement. She explained that the police were simply carrying out a court order. According to her, “The officers acted strictly based on a bench warrant issued by the High Court on May 18, 2026. Oba Muideen Azeez had consistently failed to honour invitations to answer to charges preferred against him. The police have no personal interest in this matter; we are merely carrying out the lawful directive of the court.” She also urged residents of Egbedi and neighbouring areas to remain peaceful and respect the legal process, noting that the law applies to everyone.
The charges against Oba Azeez are serious. Court records show that he and three other individuals, who are still at large, are accused of conspiracy, armed robbery, and arson. These charges are connected to a violent incident in the Egbedi community some months ago. During that incident, armed men allegedly attacked a farm settlement, set fire to several buildings, and stole property. Police investigations later pointed to the involvement of people linked to the palace. The monarch was invited for questioning multiple times but did not appear, leading the prosecution to request a bench warrant for his arrest.
At the court sitting, the prosecution argued that the monarch’s refusal to attend previous hearings showed a clear disrespect for the judicial system. The charge sheet, marked HED/12C/2026, contains four counts, including offences under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act. A conviction under this law can attract a penalty of life imprisonment. Given the nature of the charges, the presiding judge ordered that Oba Azeez be remanded at the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre until a formal bail application is heard. His defence lawyer, Adebayo Afolabi, informed journalists that the legal team would file a bail request without delay.
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Mr Afolabi said, “We have confidence in the integrity of the court and we are certain our client will be vindicated. The monarch is a lover of peace and this is a politically motivated attempt to drag his revered stool into the mud.” He acknowledged, however, that the bench warrant had made securing immediate release difficult.
The arrest of a serving traditional ruler in this manner is a rare event in Osun State. The traditional institution holds a respected place in the community, and this case has created considerable discussion. Community leaders in Egbedi have called for calm and have asked the government and judiciary to ensure a fair trial that does not dishonour the throne.
As evening fell on Monday, the image of the handcuffed Elegbedi of Egbedi being driven away from the court remained the main topic of conversation across Ede. The case has disrupted the normal calm around the palace and raised important questions about how traditional rulers are treated under the law in a constitutional democracy. The court has adjourned the matter to a later date for the hearing of the bail application and the start of the trial. The proceedings that follow are expected to be closely followed across the state.
