The Oyo State Police Command on Friday said a preliminary investigation revealed that a 30-year-old man, Bukola Adediji, who broke into the palace of Soun of Ogbomoso on Thursday afternoon was of unsound mind.
A statement by the police public relations officer, Adewale Osinfeso indicated that the suspect was taken for immediate medical intervention, where he was confirmed to be mentally unstable.
The last occupant of the throne, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi died last December at 95 after spending 48 years on the throne.
Confirming the development to reporters on Friday, the Palace Secretary, Toyin Ajamu in a statement said there was no iota of truth in an online report that a suspected thief invaded the palace to steal crowns.
The statement read, “Our attention has just been drawn to news circulating on the social media about a man who is suspected to behave under the influence of hard drugs by destroying properties worth millions of naira at Ogbomoso Palace.
“The message is sent to debunk the rumours on the media that the man came to steal crowns at the palace.
“To put the record straight, there was no crown at the palace as the seat of Soun of Ogbomosoland is presently vacant with no crown and nothing whatsoever is being stolen except that he destroyed main entrance aluminium sliding doors and exit door leading to Soun Administrative office from the Palace.
“He also injured one of the Palace Chief: Aremole of Ogbomosoland.
“Members of the public are hereby advised to ignore the rumours peddling around that he was at the palace to steal crowns or any property and those circulating such news should desist from doing so.”
Meanwhile, the Police PRO in the statement said; “On Thursday 05/5/22 at about 1404HRS, Command Operatives attached to Owode- Ogbomosho on intelligence-led Visibility patrols responded to a distress call from the Palace of Soun regarding an invasion into its premises.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the Suspect, one Bukola Adediji ‘m’ 30 yrs scaled through the palace fence late in the afternoon, damaging its entry and exit doors.
“He was also alleged to have attacked a Palace Chief in the process.
“The suspect who was almost lynched by an irate mob was promptly rescued and taken for immediate medical intervention, where he was confirmed to be of unsound mind.
“Updates would be provided accordingly, please.”
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