A 76-year-old man, Mustapha Ajesgiri, who allegedly impersonated the Oba of Oworosonki, a Lagos traditional ruler, was on Wednesday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court , Lagos.
Ajesgiri, who resides at the Oworonsoki area of Lagos State, is facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, impersonation and unlawful damage.
The Prosecutor, Sergeant Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the accused committed the offences in December 2015, at Oworonsoki, Lagos.
“The accused wears a white cap or `keremesi’ and other regalia of a recognised chief while he is not a recognised chief.
“Ajesgiri without being an Oba wears a beaded crown, beaded shoes and carries beaded staff, parading himself as the Oba of Oworosonki,” he said
He alleged that the accused went to the palace of His Royal Highness, Oba B. O. Saliu, Oba of Oworosonki and unlawfully damaged property worth N18 million.
Osuji said the offences contravened Sections 23 (2), 348 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mrs A. T. Omoyele, granted him bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
She said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and must show evidence of tax payments and adjourned the case till April 20 for trial.
