The Osun State Police Command has dismissed claims of an assassination attempt on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, following investigations into a June 3 incident at the palace.
The monarch had earlier alleged at a public programme in Osogbo that he was targeted by political hoodlums who fired gunshots at his palace.
The Command, however, said findings did not support that claim.
In a statement issued Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command said a 26-year-old man, Semilola Odunayo Monday alias “Ankara”, scaled the fence of the Ataoja’s palace at about 8:45am on June 3 and forcibly entered the premises.
Ojelabi said the suspect was confronted by residents and palace staff but fled.
“He sustained bodily injuries during the pursuit and was rushed to the Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for treatment,” the PPRO stated.
After his condition improved, police interrogated him, and he admitted entering through the fence but denied any intent to assassinate or harm the monarch or anyone else.
He blamed his action on “excessive admission of substance”.
“An investigative committee led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, CID, DCP Suleiman Kafar Bayonle, found that the suspect was not in possession of firearms or any offensive weapon at the time of arrest.
“In line with due process, the suspect was arraigned on a charge of attempted felony on June 8, 2026, before Magistrate Court II, Osogbo. He has since been remanded at the Correctional Centre,” Ojelabi added.
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