Osun

Police Dismiss Assassination Plot Claim Against Ataoja, Say Palace Intruder Was Unarmed

BySodiq Yusuf

PublishedJune 19, 2026

The Osun State Police Command on Friday dismissed claims of an assassination attempt on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye II, saying investigations revealed that a suspect arrested after entering the monarch’s palace was neither armed nor had any intention to attack the traditional ruler.

The position of the command was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, following the submission of a report by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Suleiman Kafar Bayonle.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the police clarification came days after the Ataoja alleged at a public function in Osogbo last Saturday that some politicians were behind an attempt on his life and were plotting to eliminate him before the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The monarch had alleged at the event that the incident at his palace was politically motivated and linked it to rising political tensions ahead of the election.

However, the police investigation released on Friday did not establish any political connection to the incident, insisting that available evidence pointed in a different direction.

According to the command, the suspect, identified as Semilola Odunayo Monday, popularly known as Ankara, allegedly scaled the fence of the Ataoja’s palace on June 3, 2026, and was challenged by palace staff and residents before attempting to flee.

The police said the suspect sustained injuries during the pursuit and was subsequently taken to the Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he received medical treatment before investigators commenced interrogation.

Ojelabi said, “Following improvement of his medical condition, the suspect was interrogated and he admitted entering the palace premises through the fence. He 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 a fire arms 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.

“The Command is calling on members of the public and palace emissaries who have any information regarding the incident should come forth as investigation is still open.

“The Osun State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will not relent in its efforts to ensure that all criminal activities are brought to lowest ebb,”

Sodiq Yusuf

Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.