An Ilorin Magistrate Court on Friday granted bail to Clement Ogundokun, a former contender for the throne of Oloro of Oro Kingdom, who is facing multiple criminal charges including intimidation, defamation, and threats to public peace.
Ogundokun, accused of orchestrating smear campaigns and inciting violence against the reigning monarch, His Royal Highness Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, was admitted to bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties.
According to the bail conditions set by Presiding Magistrate Tunde Saidu, one of the sureties must be a blood relative in possession of a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), while the other must be either the Chairman of the Irepodun Traditional Rulers’ Council or the Chairman of the Igbomina Traditional Rulers’ Council.
The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, was represented by Barrister Sulaiman Olarewaju Babakebe, who filed the bail application. The prosecution, led by Barrister Ahmed Opalekunde on behalf of the monarch, opposed the application, citing concerns over community unrest and threats to the king’s safety.
According to court filings, Ogundokun is alleged to have sponsored verbal attacks against the monarch, including commissioning an Ewi—a traditional Yoruba poetic performer—to publicly mock and defame Oba Oyatoye. Prosecutors stated that an audio recording of the performance has been submitted as evidence.
The direct criminal complaint lists multiple offences, including criminal intimidation, assault, defamation, impersonation, and conduct intended to provoke a breach of peace, contrary to Sections 397, 266, 392, and 399 of the Criminal Code.
The complainant alleged that since his selection and installation as Oloro of Oro, Ogundokun has consistently tried to destabilize the community, referring to the monarch as a “bastard” and “alien,” while falsely presenting himself as the rightful traditional ruler. It was also claimed that Ogundokun threatened to use his resources to “see the end” of the monarch.
Magistrate Saidu, after hearing from both sides, adjourned the case to July 11, 2025, for definite hearing.