Suspected thief brutalises Ondo Oba after stealing phone at palace

BY ADETOKUNBO ABIOLA

The Owa of Ogbagi, Ogbagi-Akoko in Ondo State, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo, has been admitted to the hospital, following a physical attack on him by a suspected phone thief, Tope Adelani.

According to eyewitnesses, the hospitalisation came after the suspect had allegedly gained access to the palace at around 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.

During the visit, Adelani allegedly stole the monarch’s mobile phone and left the premises unnoticed, only to return shortly afterward.

When questioned by Oba Ojo over the alleged theft, the suspect was said to have suddenly turned violent, raining punches on the monarch and beating him to stupor.

The suspect was eventually subdued and taken into police custody, while the monarch was taken to the hospital, with damage done symbolically to the sanctity of the traditional institution.

For many in Ogbagi-Akoko, the occurrence symbolised much more than just an isolated act of violence, but one that raises questions about societal values, the erosion of traditional authority and the willingness of both individuals and institutions in preserving cultural institutions in Nigeria.

In their reaction, members of The Igbagi Youth Assembly stood in support of the monarch.

“We reject in totality any action that disrespects our revered traditional institution.

We are united in protecting our cultural heritage and traditional values. We call on all sons and daughters of Ogbagi-Akoko to support efforts aimed at strengthening security around the palace.

If adequate measures had been in place, this unfortunate situation might have been prevented,” they said in a statement.

Police sources said that efforts were in motion to unravel the full circumstances behind the incident, including the suspect’s motives and any possible underlying reasons that may have culminated in his actions.

The Daily Monitor’s investigations revealed that all is now quiet at the palace, with residents of the town perplexed, as they saw the attack against the monarch as an attack against each and every one of them.

“A king is not just a man; he is the soul of the people. To touch him is to touch us all,” one resident told The Daily Monitor via phone.