Alajaawa stool: Court adjourns forgery case for forensic report review

Alajaawa stool: Court adjourns forgery case for forensic report review

Khalid ABRAHAM

An Oyo state Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Iyaganku Ibadan has adjourned the forgery case linked to the Alajaawa royal stool in Ajaawa, Ogo-Oluwa local government area of Oyo state, to October 23, 2025. The adjournment was made by Chief Magistrate Bisi Oyekanmi to allow for proper review of a forensic report comparing the signatures of the principal claimant against the prime defendant.

The case involves Prince Oyewale Oyebunmi and Prince Kamorudeen Salami, representing the Olumole Ruling House, as claimants against Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji and Chief Adewale Erinle, along with others — Ademola Isola, Chief Adegbite Adeleke, Prince Oladele Akintola Akinbola, and Oyegoke Oyegbami — who are joined as defendants for themselves and on behalf of the Olawusi Ruling House. Prince Gideon Adeboye Oyekunle is also listed in the suit concerning the Alajaawa chieftaincy.

The traditional ruler and his accomplices are accused of unlawfully using a forged document at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Ibadan, intending it to be acted upon as genuine.

According to the prosecution, the offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 465, 467, and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38 Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

The case was brought to court following a petition by Chief Amos Afolabi, who alleged that the document in question was forged to perfect a chieftaincy title.

It will be recalled that the Oyo State High Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice O.S. Adeyemi on February 15, 2021, issued a mandatory injunction restraining the appointment and installation of Prince Thompson Oyetunji as Alajaawa, citing violation of an earlier court order dated March 11, 2014. The case had gone through the appellate process and was ultimately resolved in favour of the claimants.

When the court reconvenes in October, Magistrate Oyekanmi is expected to rule based on the findings of the forensic signature analysis central to the forgery allegation.