Appeal Court Upholds Death Sentence for Oduduwa University Owner Ramon Adedoyin

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has upheld the death sentence handed down to Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, the owner and Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State. Adedoyin was convicted in connection with the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a former Master’s student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Delivering its judgment on Thursday, the appellate court affirmed the ruling of the Osun State High Court, which had sentenced Adedoyin to death. The court held that the conviction and sentencing were properly executed, dismissing Adedoyin’s appeal in part.

The judgment read in part, “The judgment of the High Court of Osun State stands. Adedoyin’s appeal is dismissed in part. The Court of Appeal held that Adedoyin was properly convicted and sentenced to death.”

However, the appellate court set aside the forfeiture order placed on Hilton Honours Hotel, Ile-Ife, which was linked to the case. Additionally, it nullified an earlier directive that mandated Adedoyin and his co-defendants to provide educational scholarships to the children of the deceased.

Adegoke was reported missing in November 2021 after lodging at Hilton Honours Hotel, Ile-Ife. His lifeless body was later discovered, leading to the arrest, trial, and subsequent conviction of Adedoyin.

The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly due to Adedoyin’s status as a prominent businessman and educationist. The latest ruling by the Appeal Court reinforces the lower court’s decision and marks a significant development in the quest for justice for Timothy Adegoke.

The legal battle surrounding the case may not be over, as Adedoyin’s legal team could explore further options, including an appeal to the Supreme Court.