“Awujale Palace Not Under Siege”: Police Dismiss Reports, Clarify Chief’s Invitation

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode was under siege by suspected thugs and miscreants, describing the claims as misleading.

The Awujale Palace police siege clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, ValidViewNetwork reports .

THE CLARIFICATION

Babaseyi said the deployment of police personnel to the palace was strictly a preventive security measure aimed at maintaining law and order, safeguarding lives and property, and forestalling any breakdown of public peace.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the deployment of its personnel to the palace was strictly a preventive security measure aimed at maintaining law and order, safeguarding lives and property, and forestalling any breakdown of public peace,” the statement said.

He added that an Assistant Commissioner of Police was deployed to supervise the security arrangement and ensure effective operational coordination.

THE CHIEF’S INVITATION

The command also clarified the circumstances surrounding the invitation of Chief Adebisi Adaran, popularly known as Gbenden, following reports about his encounter with the police.

According to the statement, Adaran was invited after the command received a written petition containing allegations against him. He honoured the invitation, was questioned, and was subsequently released on self-recognisance while investigations continue .

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The command stressed that his invitation should not be interpreted as an indication of guilt, describing it as part of a legitimate investigative process .

WHY IT MATTERS

The Awujale Palace is one of the most revered traditional institutions in Yorubaland. Any suggestion that it is under siege is bound to generate tension and speculation.

The police have moved quickly to douse those tensions, clarifying that their presence was a precaution, not an occupation. But the incident also highlights the fragility of security around traditional institutions, and the ease with which rumours can spread in an atmosphere of political tension.

The clarification has been issued. The chief has been released. And the palace remains standing. ValidViewNetwork reports.