A Magistrate Court in Osogbo has remanded a 26-year-old man, Semilola Odunayo Monday, popularly known as Ankara, at a correctional centre over his alleged unlawful entry into the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II.
The Osun State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, following the conclusion of an investigation into the incident initially reported as an alleged assassination attempt on the monarch.
According to the police, the suspect scaled the fence of the Ataoja’s palace and forcibly gained entry into the premises on June 3, 2026, at about 8:45 a.m.
The command stated that palace residents and domestic staff challenged the suspect after he entered the premises but he failed to give a reasonable explanation for his action and attempted to flee.
During the pursuit, the suspect sustained injuries and was subsequently taken to the Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he received medical treatment.
Police said that upon recovering, Monday was interrogated and admitted entering the palace through the fence.
The suspect, however, denied having any intention to assassinate or harm the Ataoja or any other person, attributing his conduct to excessive substance intake.
The investigation further revealed that the suspect was not in possession of any firearm or offensive weapon at the time of his arrest.
Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the police arraigned him before Magistrate Court II in Osogbo on June 8, 2026, on a charge of attempted felony.
The court subsequently ordered his remand at a correctional centre pending further proceedings.
The police command said investigations into the incident remain ongoing and called on members of the public and palace emissaries with relevant information to come forward and assist investigators.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to sustain efforts aimed at reducing criminal activities across the state.
The statement reads, “The Osun State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the outcome of its investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on Ataoja of Osogbo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II. Following a report from a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Suleiman Kafar Bayonle.
“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 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.”
