Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square has set June 4, 2025, to rule on the bail applications of five defendants accused of fabricating criminal allegations against Oba Saheed Elegushi, the monarch of Ikate Land. The defendants Adeigbagbo Harrison, Prince Toluwoleke Megba, Harrison Soji, Megbalewon Adeniji James, and Segun Ekomale (Ikuomola) pleaded not guilty to eight counts of conspiracy, impersonation, and making false statements to the police in 2022.
During Thursday’s hearing, defense counsel Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) urged the court to grant bail, citing the defendants’ compliance with administrative bail terms and regular court attendance. However, police prosecutor M. Animashaun opposed the request, alleging the defendants had initially evaded arrest. Justice Harrison allowed the defendants to remain on administrative bail pending her June 4 ruling and adjourned the trial to July 2025.
The charges stem from November 30, 2022, when the defendants allegedly accused Oba Elegushi, the Al-Mansour family, and others of criminal acts during a petition to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Alagbon, Ikoyi. Adeigbagbo Harrison faces additional counts for impersonating the “Oni Itedo” (paramount ruler) of Itedo community in 2023, allegedly inciting unrest against the monarch.
If convicted, the defendants risk sanctions under Lagos State’s criminal laws, including imprisonment for false statements (Section 96) and impersonation (Section 380). The case underscores the judiciary’s stance on curbing defamatory petitions and upholding the integrity of traditional institutions.