Performance artist Jelili Atiku, the poet Adeola Goloba and four others regained their freedom, as the Ejigbo Magistrate Court on Monday, July 18, struck out all criminal charges brought against them by the Police.
After about four hours of deliberations at the court chamber in an attempt to explore amicable resolution initiated by the court, Magistrate J.O. Adeyemi reconvened the court session with the announcement that the two parties had reached an amicable resolution by adopting the African community dispute resolution method.
The Magistrate then made the following pronouncements:
1. That the Kabiyesi, Oba Morufu Adekunle Ojoola (the traditional ruler of the community and complainant) is the royal father of all indigenes of Ejigbo community;
2. That the defendants (performance artist Jelili Atiku, Adeola Goloba and four others) as indigenes of the community are children of His Royal Majesty and should be accorded the dignity and honour they deserve;
3. That pursuant to the above two, all criminal charges against the defendants are hereby struck out, and the defendants discharged and acquitted;
4. That the defendants shall work hand-in-hand with His Royal Majesty to pursue the peace in the community; and
5. That His Royal Majesty Oba Morufu Adekunle Ojoola will promote arts and culture in Ejigbo community.
So delighted were the parties involved in the matter, their friends and relatives that social media erupted in celebration moments after the magistrate announced the decision of the court. There is no doubt that the celebrations will continue for a long time to come.
A statement released by CORA/Arterial Network Nigeria’s National Coordinator, Ayodele Ganiu, and its Media and Communication Officer, Samuel Osaze, said the decision by the court is victory for artistic freedom; not only in Ejigbo or Lagos, but the country as a whole. It is a progress for freedom of expression in the country.
“We congratulate Jelili Atiku, Adeola Goloba and others on regaining their freedom. Congratulations to every member of CORA/Arterial Network Nigeria team who has worked vigorously and tenaciously on this case,” said the statement.
The organisation is also appreciative to all its local and international partners who supported the cause. That includes: Artwatch Africa Team at Arterial Network, Frontline Defenders, the European Union, the International Artists Forum, the American Bar Association Human Right Centre, Freemuse, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Prince Claus Fond.
Others are: TheNiche, The Guardian, The Punch, Africa Is A Country, Asiri, Olisa.tv, Sabinews, Daily Independent, Vanguard and all other media platforms.
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