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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Osun State Police Command has released the outcome of its investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, on Friday, disclosed that the committee led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, Suleiman Bayonle, revealed that the suspect has no intention to assassinate the monarch, but acted under the influence of a substance.
“On 3rd June, 2026 at about 8:45am, upon a report received from the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, that one adult male, later identified as Semilola Odunayo Monday ‘m’ a.k.a Ankara, age 26, scaled the fence of Ataoja’s palace, Osogbo and forcibly entered the palace. Some residents/domestic staff immediately challenged him, but he could not give a reasonable excuse, instead he took to his heels.
“In the course of ensuring pursuit, he sustained bodily injury and was rushed to Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was admitted for medical attention.
“Following improvement of his medical condition, the suspect was interrogated and he admitted entering the palace premises through the fence. Stated further that, he has no intention to assassinate or harm His Imperial Majesty or any other person. He attributed his conduct to excessive admission of substance.
“The report from the committee reveals that the suspect was not in possession of a firearm or any offensive weapon at the time of his arrest.
“In line with due process, the suspect was arraigned on a charge of attempted felony on 8th June, 2026 before magistrate court II, Osogbo and he has been remanded at Ilesa Correctional Centre.
The Command called on members of the public and palace emissaries who have any information regarding the incident to come forth, saying that investigation is still open.
The magistrate subsequently adjourned the case to June 29, for sentencing.
