Osun Police Debunk Ataoja Assassination Claim, Say Palace Intruder Charged for Trespass

The Osun State Police Command has dismissed claims that there was an assassination attempt on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, describing the incident as a case of unlawful entry into the monarch’s palace.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that a preliminary investigation conducted by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Suleiman Kafar Bayonle, found no evidence suggesting that the suspect intended to harm the royal father.

According to the police, the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Semilola Odunayo Monday, popularly known as Ankara, unlawfully gained access to the Ataoja’s Palace in Osogbo on June 3, 2026, after scaling the perimeter fence.

The Command said palace workers and residents confronted the suspect after noticing his presence within the palace premises, but he reportedly took to his heels when questioned. During the chase that followed, he sustained injuries and was subsequently taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he received treatment.

Following his recovery, the suspect was interrogated and admitted entering the palace through the fence. However, he denied any intention to attack or assassinate the monarch or any other individual, attributing his actions to excessive consumption of substances.

Police further stated that no firearm or other offensive weapon was recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest.

The statement added that the suspect was arraigned before Magistrate Court II, Osogbo, on June 8, 2026, on a charge of attempted felony and was thereafter remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.

While noting that investigations are still ongoing, the Command appealed to members of the public and palace officials with relevant information to assist the probe.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and pledged to sustain efforts aimed at maintaining peace, law and order in Osun State.