On October 8, an Osun High Court discharged and acquitted Oba Adebukola Alii, the Alowa of llowa-Ijesa, Osun State, of rape charges.
But the same court lampooned the accused for sexual rascality that brought shame to himself, his family and his kingdom.
The court said the Oba was morally culpable. But by law, he was in the clear: it had insufficient evidence to nail him for rape.
If indeed the law is codified morality, then that “dual” judgment leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
The court lamented the absence, as damning evidence, of stained bed sheets (which the accused would have gleefully surrendered), tom underpants and medical reports confirming forced penetration – and possible bruises – to prove rape.
