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The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports that the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode was under siege by thugs or miscreants, saying its personnel were deployed strictly to maintain law and order.
In a Wednesday statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, described the siege reports as misleading.
The clarification comes amid a tense period around the Awujale stool, which has been vacant since the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025.
The statement reads, “The command wishes to state unequivocally that the deployment of its personnel to the palace was strictly a preventive security measure aimed at maintaining law and order, safeguarding lives and property, and forestalling any breakdown of public peace.”
To ensure supervision and coordination, the command said, an Assistant Commissioner of Police was deployed to oversee the security arrangement at the palace.
The command also clarified the circumstances surrounding the invitation of Chief Adebisi Adaran, popularly known as Gbenden.
According to the police, Adaran was invited following a written petition containing allegations against him.
“He honoured the invitation, was questioned in connection with the allegations and was subsequently released on self-recognisance, while investigations continue,” the statement reads in part.
The command stressed that the invitation was part of a legitimate investigative process and should not be misconstrued as an indication of guilt.
The police said they remain professional and impartial in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities, guided by the rule of law and respect for the rights of all individuals.
Members of the public were advised to remain calm, disregard misleading reports, and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of generating unnecessary tension or disturbing public peace.
