The Ondo State Government has officially taken over the prosecution of Adekolajo Aladeseyi, a self-proclaimed monarch, along with two chiefs, Fasore Lawrence and Adegbenro Akanle. The charges stem from the illegal installation of Aladeseyi as the Olujare of Ijare community in the Ifedore Local Council of Ondo State. This action follows a ruling by a Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 13, which granted the defendants bail. Additional suspects have also been arrested and will be charged alongside the initial trio for their alleged involvement in the unlawful installation.

The defendants were initially arraigned by the State Police Command before Chief Magistrate Jaiyeola Ogungade for allegedly instigating unrest in Ijare. They face a three-count charge related to conduct likely to breach public peace and violating the Ondo State Chiefs Law by attempting to install Aladeseyi as monarch without state approval. Police Prosecutor Babatunde Ajiboye stated that the accused conspired on April 15, 2025, to install Aladeseyi during a clandestine 1:00 a.m. ceremony, in violation of Sections 249(d) and 517(A) of the state’s Criminal Code and Section 15(1)(2) of the Chiefs Law, which requires explicit approval from the Ondo State Executive Council of Chiefs.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their lead counsel, Mr. Adelanke Akinrata, requested bail, which was granted in the sum of N1 million with sureties required to produce tax clearance for three years and demonstrate good character. However, this relief was short-lived as Mrs. E.T. Kolade-Obanijesu, the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), announced the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice's office had taken over the case. Chief Magistrate Ogungade approved the takeover and adjourned the hearing to June 13.

In a separate incident, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the Kano High Court has taken jurisdiction over a case alleging misappropriation of public funds against the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje. This development follows Ganduje’s advocacy for a one-party system in Nigeria, mirroring China’s model. The Kano State Government appears to be subtly criticizing Ganduje, highlighting that China also executes corrupt politicians.

The amended 11 counts filed by the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission accuse Ganduje, his wife Hafsat, his son Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, and five others of bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of billions of naira in public funds. Ganduje and the other defendants filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. Justice Aliyu dismissed this objection, asserting that the charges filed on May 13, 2024, were competent for trial and that the state’s anti-corruption agency has the authority to investigate criminal matters.

The court dismissed similar applications from the seven defendants challenging her jurisdiction and summoned them to appear at the next hearing, stating the trial would proceed even in their absence. The case has been adjourned to July 30 and 31, 2025, for hearing. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director of Press to the Kano State Government, shared a Facebook post indirectly challenging Ganduje’s advocacy for a one-party system, noting, "China also executes corrupt politicians, and it works for them very well.”

Ganduje faced a corruption scandal during his tenure as governor after videos allegedly showed him receiving cash bribes. The Kano government’s response highlights accountability concerns and contrasts with Ganduje’s proposed adoption of a one-party system.