Alhaja Kaola Remanded in Prison, Over Defamation Case Involving Sheikh Akewugbagold

A Kwara State Magistrate Court in Ilorin has reportedly ordered the remand of Alhaja Kafilat Kaola at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre Ilorin, following allegations of defamation of character involving Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, a prominent Islamic cleric and the Wazeer Muslimeen of Oyo State. While specific details of the case remain limited, the legal proceedings have reignited public interest in the ongoing disputes between the two figures, which have spanned several years and involved various controversies.

Background of the Defamation Case

According to sources, Alhaja Kaola, a notable figure in Islamic circles and a Nigerian On Air presenter (OAP) in Ibadan, was remanded pending further investigation into allegations that she made defamatory statements against Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold. The nature of the alleged defamation has not been fully disclosed in available reports, but the case appears to center on public statements that have caused reputational harm.

This is not the first time Ilorin courts have dealt with high-profile defamation cases. In a similar instance in 2023, social media influencer and traditionalist Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, was remanded at the same facility for allegedly defaming the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and other Islamic scholars, including Alfa Tonile Okutagidi. The precedent of such cases suggests a growing judicial focus on addressing public defamation in Kwara State.

History of Conflicts Involving Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold

Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, a respected Islamic cleric and former Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s religious and social landscape. In 2021, he was conferred the prestigious title of Wazeer Muslimeen of Oyo State, a position described by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Sheikh Abdulkadir Agbotomokekere, as akin to a “Prime Minister” in Islamic ranking, reserved for individuals with significant contributions to the Muslim community. During the conferment ceremony, Alhaja Kaola herself praised Akewugbagold, describing him as a “talented, patient, and cheerful giver,” urging him to continue his good deeds.

However, Akewugbagold’s prominence has not shielded him from controversies. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2020 when his twin children were kidnapped in Ibadan, Oyo State. Six suspects—Muhammed Bashir, Fatai Akanji, Oyeleye Opeyemi, Olamide Ajala, Rafiu Mutiu, and Taiwo Ridwan—were arraigned on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms. The case, which drew significant media attention, was heard at an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, with a bail application hearing set for November 18, 2020. The incident highlighted Akewugbagold’s vulnerability to targeted attacks, raising questions about whether his public profile made him a target.

The relationship between Alhaja Kaola and Alhaji Akewugbagold has not been without friction, though specific details of their conflicts remain sparse in public records. The current defamation case suggests a continuation of underlying tensions, possibly exacerbated by public statements or social media interactions, a common trigger for defamation disputes in recent years. The lack of detailed information about their prior disputes indicates that much of the conflict may have been private or confined to community circles before escalating to legal action.

May Allah see her through.

Source: OyoAffairs