NBA calls for investigation into Osun Speaker over alleged assault

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has formally petitioned the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba, to investigate the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Wale Egbedun, for allegedly assaulting one of its members, Muideen Adeshina Yusuf.

In a statement signed by the NBA’s Chairman, Saheed Abiona, and Secretary, Ibrahim Hassan, the association accused Egbedun of assaulting and brutalizing Yusuf on July 5, 2024, while Yusuf was executing a court judgment.

The NBA emphasized that Egbedun’s actions are punishable under various sections of the Osun State Criminal Code, including Section 37 (2), Section 133 (1), (3), (8), and (9), and Section 145, which pertains to the obstruction of officers of the court.

The association detailed that Yusuf represents the Gbaemu Royal Family of Osogbo and is the Plaintiff/Judgment Creditor in the case “Prince Olalekan Salami vs. The Executive Governor, Osun State & Ors.” (Suit No: HOS/92/2021), with the judgment delivered in 2022. The petition outlined the events leading to the alleged assault, stating:

“Following the judgment and the refusal of the judgment debtors, including the Governor of Osun State, to peacefully deliver the disputed land, our colleague rightfully commenced the execution process.

“The court officials approved the execution, and police protection was granted. On July 5, 2024, the Chief Bailiff of the State High Court, accompanied by police officers, proceeded to the execution site at Capital Hotel Area, Osogbo-Iwo Road, Osogbo. Our colleague, Yusuf, was present to monitor the execution.”

The NBA’s statement further accused Egbedun of deliberately obstructing the execution of a valid court judgment, comparing his actions to waging war against the judicial arm of the state.

The association argued that this constitutes an abuse of office and a perversion of justice, punishable by up to seven years imprisonment under Section 126 (1) of the Criminal Code.

The NBA stressed that, as a public servant, Egbedun is obligated under Section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution to ensure the enforcement of court decisions.

The association called for a thorough investigation into the alleged assault and urged that Egbedun be prosecuted if found guilty.

In response, Egbedun, through his media aide Tiamiyu Olamide, denied the allegations of assault, stating that he merely directed the policemen at the scene to leave the venue where the court order was being executed.