THE controversy surrounding the alleged rape charges preferred against a traditional ruler in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, the Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesa, Oba Adebukola Alli, assumed a new dimension on Wednesday as the accused suddenly changed his earlier objection to a court order, which established prima facie against him.
Alli was accused of allegedly raping a 23-year-old ex-member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), identified as Miss Helen Okpara, who served at his private residence in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
He was said to have allegedly requested the former female corps member to accompany him to Osogbo, for a computer programme when the crime was committed.
He had admitted in previous court sessions that he made love to Okpara and that both of them enjoyed it.
The development informed the ruling of the presiding judge, Justice Oyejide Falola, who recently ordered that Alli had a case to answer and should open his case for defence.
But, the traditional ruler, who had through his counsel, Mr Taofeek Tewogbade, filed a motion on notice for leave to appeal the judgment handed down by Justice Oyejide Falola of Osun State High Court, recently suddenly agreed to open his defence on January 14, 2013 at the resumed hearing on Wednesday.
Alli has been standing trial for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse of the corps member, Miss Hellen Okpara in his private residence in Osogbo, capital of the state on 23rd March, 2010 when he asked the unsuspecting lady to accompany him on trip to Osogbo.
At the resumed hearing, Alli jettisioned his earlier objection to open his defence when his lawyer informed the court of his client’s intention to withdraw the motion for leave to appeal thus opening their case for defence.
According to Tewogbade, “My Lord, I want to withdraw the application and proceeds to defence”. The court subsequently adjourned the case till 14th January, 2012 for the defence counsel to open his case.
Tribune
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