A Solo Attacker Storms Ondo Royal Palace, Wounds Monarch, Who is Now Receiving Medical Treatment

A first-class monarch in Ondo State, the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Olasehinde Adetona, was attacked by a lone assailant in his palace in the Akoko North West council area of the state, sparking widespread shock across local communities.

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This incident occurred barely a month after the traditional ruler of Agamo community, Oba Jacob Kehinde Falodun, was murdered in his palace, further heightening concerns about the safety of monarchs in the state.

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According to eyewitnesses, the monarch was physically attacked and injured by the assailant, identified as Tope Adelani, who stormed the palace around 11 a.m. and left the royal father with multiple injuries.

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Oba Victor Olasehinde Adetona was subsequently rushed to a private hospital, where he was hospitalized for treatment, while the circumstances surrounding the attack began to unfold.

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It was revealed that Adelani, a frequent visitor to the palace, had met with the monarch to request employment as a driver, but was told there was no vacancy, with the monarch assuring him that he would be contacted when an opportunity arose.

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Following the interaction, the monarch left for his farm, leaving Adelani in the palace, but trouble started upon his return, as Adelani allegedly trailed him into the palace, seized his phones, and switched them off, leading to a violent confrontation.

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The situation escalated, with Adelani attacking the monarch, and members of the monarch's family who intervened were also assaulted, highlighting the gravity of the incident.

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A palace source disclosed that the suspect was later overpowered by guards and handed over to the police, with a knife recovered from Adelani, raising concerns over his motive for the attack.

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The Ogbagi Youth Assembly condemned the attack, describing it as "unacceptable and contrary to the values and heritage that define Ogbagi people", and emphasized that the traditional institution remains a cornerstone of unity and identity, deserving of utmost respect and protection.

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The youths stood firmly in solidarity with His Royal Highness, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo, the Odagbaragaja III, and rejected any action that disrespects the traditional institution, emphasizing that the attack was not only an affront to an individual but also to the community's collective heritage.

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The Ogbagi Youth Assembly also called for calm among residents, particularly urging youths of the community to remain law-abiding and avoid any form of retaliation that could escalate tensions further, while emphasizing the need to protect cultural heritage and traditional values.

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They urged all sons and daughters of Ogbagi-Akoko to support efforts aimed at strengthening security around the palace, noting that if adequate measures had been in place, the unfortunate situation might have been prevented.

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When contacted for comments, the state police command spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the attack, but stated that the incident was not reported at the police station, but rather to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

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Efforts to speak with the security agency's spokesperson, Daniel Aidamenbor, on the attack of the monarch, proved abortive, leaving many questions unanswered about the incident and the response of the authorities.

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The shocking development has thrown the community into fear and anxiety, with residents expressing concern over the safety of the traditional ruler and calling for improved security within the palace premises across the state.