The high-profile land-grabbing case against Lawrence Ige, a community leader in Ibadan, took an unexpected turn on Monday as the absence of the prosecutor caused the hearing to be postponed.
The case, being presided over by Justice O. A. Adetujoye at the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, was adjourned to March 5 after the prosecution counsel, Williams Tijani, failed to appear.
Ige, who was arraigned on November 12, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy, unlawful encroachment, land grabbing, and the use of violence to assert control over land. The defendant, who has denied all charges, is currently out on bail while awaiting the court’s decision.
The delay in the case stems from an unexpected disruption. According to reports from the court, the prosecutor, Tijani, experienced a car breakdown en route from Lagos to Ibadan, leaving him unable to attend the proceedings. This was confirmed by both the watching brief counsel for the nominal complainant, Oluwatobiloba Fatoki, and the defendant’s counsel, John Adebisi, who independently informed the court of Tijani’s predicament.
Justice Adetujoye, who had initially set January 13 as the next hearing date, expressed frustration at the situation but granted an adjournment to allow the prosecution to prepare for the next session. The court rescheduled the hearing for March 5, a move that has left both the prosecution and defense teams with additional time to strategize.
The case against Ige has drawn significant attention due to the allegations of land-grabbing, a contentious issue in Oyo State. Community leaders, legal experts, and residents are closely watching the proceedings as they highlight broader concerns about unlawful encroachment and the use of force in land disputes. For many, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such matters are addressed in the future.
As the next hearing approaches, questions remain about the readiness of the prosecution and the overall pace of the judicial process. Meanwhile, Ige continues to assert his innocence, and his legal team is prepared to challenge the charges in court. All eyes will be on the Oyo State High Court in March as the case unfolds, with expectations high for a resolution that addresses the allegations and restores confidence in the rule of law.
