Police give update on alleged assassination attempt on Ataoja of Osogbo

By Isa Isawade‎

‎The Osun State Police Command has released update on the outcome of its investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on the Ataoja of Osogbo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II.

This follows submission of a report from a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Suleiman Kafar Bayonle.

According to a press release on Friday evening, signed on behalf of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, by the command’s PPRO, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, a male adult aged 26 years old identified as Semilola Odunayo Monday a.k.a Ankara scaled fence and forced his way into the palace of Ataoja.

“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 26yrs scaled the fence of Ataoja’s palace, Osogbo and forcibly entered the palace, he was immediately challenged by some residents/domestic staff.

“But he could not give 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 armed 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 firearms or any offensive weapon at the time of his arrest. In line with the due process, the suspect was arraigned on a charge of attempt felony on 8th June 2026 before magistrate court II, Osogbo and he has been remanded at correctional centre,” police said.

Police said investigation was still ongoing and called on members of the public and palace emissaries who have any information regarding the incident to come forth.

‎The Command promised that it would remain steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.