The legal fate of two traditional religion devotees, Abdulazeez Adegbola (known as Tani Olohun) and Chief Ademola Olawoore, the Oluwo of Tede, hangs in the balance as they await a court verdict in an alleged defamation case in Kwara State.
The case, which is set to be determined on Monday, revolves around allegations of defamation and conspiracy to disrupt the peace in Ilorin, the state capital.
The accused traditionalists, represented by their counsel M.P. Gegele, raised objections during the previous court session, arguing that it was unjust for them to face trial for the same offense in two separate courts within the same jurisdiction.
They had already been arraigned in the Magistrate Court for the same offense and requested the case to be struck out so they could focus on their ongoing case in the Magistrate Court.
On the other hand, Mr. U S Umar, representing Alfa Tonile Okutagidi, countered the request, asserting that although the charges might be similar, the allegations were made by different individuals.
Tani Olohun faced the accusations alone in the Magistrate Court, while both Tani Olohun and Oluwo were charged in the case before the Upper Area Court.
The Presiding Judge of the Upper Area Court has scheduled Monday, September 11, 2023, for the final determination of the case, setting the stage for a potential legal battle over the issue of jurisdiction and the nature of the allegations.