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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Hoodlums have raided the palace of Obama James Sodiya, the Olu of Ogunmakin town, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, carting away his crown and staff of office
It was gathered that the thieves broke into the palace of the late monarch, who passed away about two months ago, on Thursday.
Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, disclosed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, on Saturday.
Odutola, however, said that police have arrested three suspects over the incident.
The police spokesperson, who described the act as an abomination, said the police had recovered the crown but still searching for the staff of office.
“On the 12th of October 2023, an intelligence was received from the palace of His Royal Majesty, late Ogunmakin, that one Amusa Kazeem, Oke Oladipupo and Johnson Oluwole conspired and stole the royal crown and the staff of office two months after the demise of king of Ogunmakin.
“The suspects were alleged to have entered into the house at about 2:00 hours where the property of the late king was kept.
“The trio took the key where it was kept in the custody of the person assigned to keep the property and removed the royal crown and the staff of office of the late king, an act described as an abomination.
“Immediately the information was received, the police swung into action and recovered the royal crown from the house of one Kazeem Amusan.
“The staff of office has not been recovered, but intensive action is on going to recover same. The suspects have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation,” Odutola said.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that could lead to the recovery of the staff of office.