Ijesha Monarch Ready To Defend Himself In Court After Allegedly Defiling Corps Member

Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesa, Oba Adebukola Alli

A traditional ruler in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, the Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesa, Oba Adebukola Alli standing trial over allegation of rape of a 23-year-old ex-member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, who served in his domain, yesterday told an Osogbo High Court of his readiness to open his defence against the charge.

Alli has been standing trial for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with the Corps member, Miss Hellen Okpara, in his private residence in Osogbo, on 23rd March, 2010 when he allegedly asked the lady to accompany him to the state capital for a computer programme.

Justice Oyejide Falola of Osun State High Court recently ruled that the accused monarch, who had earlier revealed to the court that he made love to Okpara and that both of them enjoyed it, had a case to answer and that Alli should open his case for defence on the charge of rape levelled against him by his victim.

But the order apparently did not go down well with Alli who through his counsel, Mr. Taofeek Tewogbade filed a motion on notice for leave to appeal the judgment.

To this end, the prosecution counsels led by the Director of Public Prosecution in the state, Dapo Adeniji filed a notice of preliminary objection.

However, the case was then adjourned for hearing on the two applications but when the case was mentioned at the last sitting, after a long delay, Alli bowed to pressure when his lawyer informed the court of their intention to withdraw the motion for leave to appeal, thus opening their case for defence.

According to Tewogbade, “My Lord, I want to withdraw the application and proceed to defence.”

Alli if found guilty pundits say would be a shame to monarchy. Some say it’s shameful enough that a traditional ruler who should be the custodian of culture, tradition, and courtesy is accused of rape, or even standing trial for anything.