A Magistrate Court in Mowe, Ogun State, has ordered the remand of 56-year-old traditional ruler, Babatunde Akanni Sonola, following allegations of attempted murder in Makogi community, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
Sonola was arraigned alongside two other suspects, Dimeji Adigun Mustapha, 25, and Taoheed Sonola, 43.
All three face four counts of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm.
According to court documents, they allegedly attacked Kehinde Owoseni, who sustained severe head injuries, as well as Saheed Ojekunle, whose hand and leg were reportedly nearly severed by machete cuts, and another victim, Afeez Kazeem.
A source told DAILY GAZETTE that Sonola was initially remanded in prison on December 18, 2025, but later secured bail on Monday, December 22.
The bail conditions include a sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a second-class traditional ruler, and a requirement to maintain peace pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Residents of Makogi have praised the court’s actions so far and urged that justice be allowed to run its full course, emphasizing the need for accountability for the victims.
Community sources allege that Sonola has a history of abusing his traditional position to seize land unlawfully and intimidate residents, often with the assistance of suspected cultists.
Reports indicate that the dispute stems from allegations that he sold land belonging to the Osho Kanakana family despite repeated warnings and legal notices.
Several residents recounted incidents of violence and property destruction allegedly carried out by cultists loyal to Sonola.
Sunday Ojeyemi, a tailor, said armed attackers raided his shop, destroying equipment and stealing industrial sewing machines, forcing him and his apprentices to flee.
Elderly resident Omotayo Kanakana said her eight-room house was destroyed and she and her children were forced to hide.
Another community elder, Mulikatu Opasola, said her son’s shop was looted before attackers fired gunshots into her home at night.
The trial has been adjourned to February 23, 2026, for continuation.
Residents have called on the Ogun State Government and security agencies to closely monitor the case to ensure justice is served, regardless of the social status of those involved.
