Panic erupted in Ogbagi-Akoko, Ondo State, on Thursday after a suspected phone thief reportedly assaulted the town’s traditional ruler, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo.
The disturbing incident, said to have happened around 11 a.m. within the palace premises, has stirred anger among residents and renewed concerns over security around traditional institutions.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect, identified as Tope Adelani, allegedly turned violent during a confrontation with the monarch over a missing mobile phone.
Palace sources revealed that the suspect was not a stranger, as he had been seen around the palace on previous occasions.
He reportedly visited earlier in the day and allegedly took the monarch’s phone before quietly leaving the premises.
However, he was said to have returned shortly afterwards, leading to a direct confrontation with the monarch.
During the exchange, the suspect allegedly attacked the royal father, leaving him injured in the process.
It was gathered that some family members who tried to restrain the suspect were also caught up in the scuffle.
The suspect was later subdued by people at the palace and handed over to security operatives, while the monarch was taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The Ogbagi Youth Assembly, in its reaction, condemned the incident and appealed for calm, urging residents to allow law enforcement authorities to handle the matter.
