By Oluwadamilola Akinduro & Ayodele Popoola

A Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, arraigned a 53-year-old legal practitioner, Wale Odusola, over allegations of verbal and psychological abuse against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on social media.

Odusola was accused of using his Facebook page to criticise the governor, alleging that he had failed to act in a parochial manner and had neglected his constituency.

According to the charge sheet, he also accused the governor of engaging in an extramarital affair with the state’s Finance Commissioner, Mrs Wunmi Isaac.

The Hope gathered that the lawyer was arrested on Tuesday by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command in Akure and brought before the court the same day.

During the proceedings, the prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, argued that Odusola’s actions were capable of inciting public unrest and damaging the governor’s reputation.

The offences contravened Section 15 (1)(2) of the laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2021; Section 373 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006; and Section 24 (a)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Odusola, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His defence team, comprising Chief Ebiseni, O. F. Umaru, Olumide Ogunje, M. C. Okeke, and O. S. Ogunmola, urged the court to grant him bail, contending that the alleged offence was bailable and that their client was ready to meet all conditions.

Magistrate Sunday Adedapo granted Odusola bail on self-recognition and adjourned the case until May 5, 2025 for further hearing.