Suspected phone thief storms palace, attacks Ondo monarch
A suspected phone thief has allegedly attacked the Owa of Ogbagi in Akoko, Ondo State, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo, leaving the monarch hospitalised and sparking outrage across the community. The
- Royal father hospitalised, community leaders, youths fume over attack
- From Tosin Tope, Akure
A suspected phone thief has allegedly attacked the Owa of Ogbagi in Akoko, Ondo State, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo, leaving the monarch hospitalised and sparking outrage across the community.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday at the royal palace in Ogbagi-Akoko, was described by residents as shocking and abominable.
Sources told The Nation that the suspect, identified as Tope Adelani, allegedly assaulted the monarch after being confronted over the theft of a mobile phone.
According to a palace source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the suspect was a familiar face at the palace and had earlier gained access to the premises where he allegedly stole the monarch's phone unnoticed.
"He later returned to the palace, and when the royal father questioned him about the missing phone, he suddenly became violent and attacked him," the source said.
The monarch reportedly sustained multiple injuries during the attack and was immediately rushed to a private hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
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It was further gathered that some family members who attempted to intervene were also assaulted in the process.
The suspect was eventually subdued and handed over to security operatives.
Meanwhile, the Ogbagi Youth Assembly (OYA) has condemned the incident, describing it as a brazen and unacceptable assault on the traditional institution.
In a statement, the group expressed solidarity with the monarch, stressing that the attack was not only against an individual but a direct affront on the cultural heritage of the Ogbagi people.
"The Ogbagi Youth Assembly stands firmly with His Royal Highness, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo, the Odagbaragaja III. We reject in totality any act that disrespects our revered traditional institution.
"This incident is a grave violation of our values and an attack on our collective identity," the statement said.
The group, however, called for calm among residents, particularly the youth, urging them to remain law-abiding and avoid reprisals.
It also called on stakeholders to strengthen security around the palace to prevent a future reoccurrence.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident but noted that the case had yet to be formally reported at any police station.
