Suspected thieves are reported to have invaded the palace of the late Olu of Ogunmakin town, Oba James Sodiya, in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, making off with his crown and staff of office.
According to sources, the break-in occurred at the palace of the late monarch, who passed away about two months ago, on Thursday.
The Police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to reporters in Abeokuta on Saturday.
She disclosed that the police had apprehended three suspects in connection with the crime.
Odutola, while describing the act as an abomination, stated that the police had recovered the stolen crown but were still in pursuit of the staff of office.
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She detailed the incident, saying, “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 the king of Ogunmakin.”
These suspects allegedly entered the house at around 2:00 AM, where the property of the late king was stored.
They took the key that was held by the person responsible for safeguarding the property and removed the royal crown and the staff of office, an act deemed as an abomination.
“The staff of office has not been recovered, but intensive action is ongoing to recover the same.
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The suspects have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation,” the police spokesperson stated.
She mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, appealed to the public to provide information that could aid in the recovery of the staff of office.