Kanyi Okeke
A traditional ruler in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, the Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesa, Oba Adebukola Alli, who has been standing trial for allegedly raping a 23-year-old ex-member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), (name withheld), on Friday, denied the allegation.
He said it was not his first time of making love with the ex-corps member, saying that they had sexual intercourse together on several occasions, and that they always enjoyed the act.
The traditional ruler, who was facing a one-count charge of raping the plaintiff, who served as a corps member in his domain in 2011, also told Justice Oyejide Falola of the Osun State High Court, that the victim was his lover and that they usually had sexual intercourse both in his palace and at his private residence in Osogbo where the incident allegedly took place.
“The lady is my lover, I did not rape her and that was not our first time of having sexual intercourse, she is my lover, but I was surprised when I got to the police station over the allegation. She slept with me from 25 to 26 March, 2011 and I got to know that she had reported me to the police on Monday, 28 March, 2011.
“I met the ex-corper during a programme in Ibokun. On the day in question, 25 March, 2011, both of us left Ilowa to Osogbo where we branched at Osun grove in order to replicate the grove at Ilowa historical site.
“After we left Osun grove, we drove down to my private residence where we spent the night and when it was 10:30 to 11pm, she removed her jacket and she told me to help her loose her underwear from her back, which I did and I discovered that she was not wearing any bra, she then took off her skirt and pants herself and we started making love. After making love that night which lasted without struggle, I drove her back the next day to Ilowa.
“But I was surprised on Monday, 28 March, when I was invited to the police station over the allegation of raping her. She is my regular visitor to Ilowa palace and my private house in Osogbo. Even many people including my brothers and other obas knew about our relationship,” he said.
Alli, who was led in witness by his counsel, Taofeek Tewogbade, stunned the court when he alleged that the police demanded for N400,000 in order to dissuade the victim from continuing the case. The accused also alleged that the victim’s pastor demanded for N1million on her behalf so that the complainant could drop the charge instituted against him.
Also led in witness were the son of Alli, Seun, an aide to the traditional ruler, Mr. Ganiyu Babalola and his cook, Esther Patrick. They all said that the victim was Alli’s lover.
During the cross-examinations by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) from the state Ministry of Justice, Mr Dapo Adeniji, the witnesses, except the accused, said that they did not make any statement to the police. Justice Falola, however, adjourned the case to April 15 for adoption of addresses.
Source : Nigerian Tribune
