Magistrate Y.O. Aje-Atunwa of the Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Ikeja, in Lagos State, has ordered Chief Maugbe Babatunde Tudonu, 44, Baale of Farasinmi community in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State to be remanded in Kirikiri prison custody, until he is able to perfect conditions attached to his bail.
He was remanded alongside his secretary, Reverend Samuel Boyon, 40.
They were charged with a five-count charge ranging from breach of peace, stealing, possession of arms, causing grievous harm, among others.
In charge number MIK/A/142/2016, the two accused persons were granted bail in the sum of N250,000 each, but were unable to meet the bail conditions last Friday.
Investigation revealed that the crisis closely linked to a tussle for the Baale of Farasinmi community in Badagry West LCDA.
The police arraigned the accused in court at the conclusion of investigation into the crisis.
According to police investigations, one Alhaji Abubakar Hunkanrin Awesu, from the Ojoko ruling house, is the bonafide Baale of Farasinmi.
According to the report, Awesu was installed after recommendation by the community on November 14, 2011 with representation from the Lagos State government and the Badagry West LCDA.
The first accused, Maugbe Babatunde Tudonu, was said to have been installed by the Alapa of Egun Awori, Apa Kingdom, Oba Adekanmi Oyekanmi Ajose, on May 25, 2013.
According to the recommendation of the fact finding committee set up by the local government, it was clearly stated that only three families are entitled to the Baaleship stool in Farasinmi community.
They are Ojoko, from where Chief Abubakar Awesu, a retired teacher, hails from.
The other two families are Ekundo and Kikan.
In attestation to this, a letter dated May 19, 2014 by the Lagos State government through the office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, directed the Badagry West LCDA to stop Chief Maugbe from marking his first year in office because he was not recognised as the Baale of the town.
Most of the supporters of Chief Awesu were harassed, beaten and tortured after this and the police intervened.
Findings also revealed that Chief Maugbe Tudonu is having two criminal cases pending against him at the Kirikiri Magistrates’ Court, Apapa.
Nine supporters of Maugbe still wanted by the police include Emmanuel Boyon, Aliu Ibrahim, Maugbe Jonas, Taiwo Tadeyon, Akojeun Peters, Sede Gbenugo.
The matter has been adjourned till September 21, 2016 for commencement of trial.