From John Dike, Osogbo

Oba Muideen Azeez, the Elegbedi of Egbedi in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, has vehemently denied allegations of robbery and arson leveled against him, describing them as “trumped up charges” aimed at tarnishing his image.

The monarch was arraigned alongside four others on a 29-count charge of robbery, arson, malicious damage, violence, and forceful entry.

However, Oba Azeez maintained that the charges are “spuriously fabricated and totally untrue.”

Speaking through his lawyer, Adebukola Atobatele, the monarch revealed that he had instituted a legal action against the Ilobas over a land dispute in 2018, which is still pending in court.

He claimed that the recent charges are an attempt to discredit him and influence the ongoing land dispute case.

Oba Azeez has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been granted bail.

His lawyer argued that the prosecution’s witness, Oladapo, gave evidence that contradicts the allegations against the monarch.

He said the case is ongoing, and the monarch remains confident that the truth will prevail.