By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Baale of Yale Camp in Bolorunduro, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, Ojo Olomolekulo, has been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court for flogging and brutalising villagers who refused to pay toll fee.
Ojo was arraigned alongside two accomplices, Isaac Oloyede and Kehinde Tope.
They were alleged to have flogged and inflicted injuries on Iyabo Ajibade and Thompson Owoyemi on December 15, 2024 after the duo refused to pay what they regarded as illegal toll.
Besides the assault charges, Ojo was also accused of illegally selling a portion of a government-owned forest reserve to two separate buyers.
The defendants were said to have breached Sections 351, 38 and 274 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.
They pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against them.
Counsel to the defendants, O.A. Oladunjoye, begged the court to grant them bail, but the prosecuting Counsel, O.A. Iroaye, kicked against the request for amicable settlement.
Iroaye said the Baale remained a menace in the community.
“It is rather disturbing that a traditional leader who should be a custodian of peace is now facing allegations of intimidation and illegal land deals,” Iroaye said.
Presiding Magistrate, Taiwo Lebi, ordered the Baale to immediately halt all forms of collections from villagers and warned him to steer clear of actions capable of disrupting peace in the community.
He adjourned the case to June 20, 2025, for further hearing.