In a groundbreaking verdict, the Osun State High Court pronounced Ramon Adedoyin, the founder of Oduduwa University and owner of the Hilton hotel, guilty in the murder case of Timothy Adegoke. Under the ruling of Judge Adepele Ojo, Adedoyin has been sentenced to death by hanging on Tuesday.
The tragic incident occurred between November 5 and 7, 2021, at the Hilton Honours Hotel in Ile-Ife, where Adegoke, a postgraduate student from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), lost his life. The court carefully examined the available evidence and concluded that the circumstances pointed towards Adedoyin’s involvement in the murder.
During the trial, Judge Adepele Ojo highlighted that Adedoyin’s decision to abstain from testifying in his defence worked against him. The circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution shifted the burden of proof onto Adedoyin and his refusal to take the witness stand was seen as an admission of guilt.
Justice Ojo further dismissed the alibi put forward by Adedoyin’s counsel. They had claimed that the hotel owner was in Abuja during the time of Adegoke’s death. The court found this defence inadequate in light of the compelling circumstantial evidence. Especially since it pointed towards Adedoyin’s responsibility for the tragic event.
As the case concludes, the attention now turns to the implications of the judgement. Particularly its impact on the local community regarding the young man whose life was tragically cut short. The court’s decision will undoubtedly bring a sense of closure to the family and friends of Timothy Adegoke.
