Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Alajaawa of Ajaawa, was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan on Tuesday, facing charges of forging the signature of Prince Azeez Adewale Oyebunmi.
The alleged incident took place in the Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The monarch faces two charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony and forgery. According to the charge sheet, marked MI/145C/2025, Oba Oyetunji is accused of conspiring with others to forge the signature.
The first charge states that on June 11, 2020, in Ajaawa town, the monarch and accomplices allegedly committed forgery, violating Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Volume 11, Laws of Oyo State, 2020.
The second charge accuses Oba Oyetunji and his co-conspirators of forging Prince Azeez Oyewale Oyebunmi’s signature on a letter titled “Withdrawal from the vacant stool of Alajaawa race,” dated June 11, 2020. This offense is punishable under Sections 465 and 467 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Volume 11, Laws of Oyo State, 2020.
When presented before Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, Oba Oyetunji pleaded not guilty. His counsel, Barrister O.K. Animashaun, sought bail on reasonable terms, which the prosecution, represented by N. Ojei, did not object to.
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 oppose the bail application.
Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi granted Oba Oyetunji bail in the amount of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000), with one surety in the same sum. The case has been adjourned to July 22, 2025, for further hearing.
In a related development, Hon. Adeboye Ojo, Chairman of Ogo Oluwa Local Government, stated efforts are underway to resolve the issue amicably. “We are in discussions with all parties involved and will meet again tomorrow. We hope to settle the matter out of court soon,” Ojo commented.