Key takeaways
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The Ogun State Police Command has denied reports that hoodlums laid siege to the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode.
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Police said officers were deployed to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
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An Assistant Commissioner of Police was assigned to coordinate the security arrangement.
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Chief Adebisi Adaran was invited following a petition, questioned and released on self-recognisance.
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The police stressed that the invitation should not be interpreted as proof of guilt.
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The Awujale stool has remained vacant since the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025.
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The command has urged residents to disregard false reports and avoid spreading information capable of creating tension.
The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that hoodlums laid siege to the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu-Ode, insisting that officers stationed at the premises were deployed as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and prevent possible disturbances.
The command explained that its security presence was intended to protect lives and property amid the ongoing dispute surrounding the selection of a new traditional ruler for Ijebuland.
Police Explain Why Officers Were Deployed To The Palace
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the deployment was not evidence of an attack or siege on the palace.
Rather, the police said the arrangement was designed to maintain public order and prevent any incident that could disrupt peace in the area.
The command also disclosed that an Assistant Commissioner of Police had been assigned to coordinate the security arrangements at the palace.
The clarification comes as attention remains focused on the Awujale stool, which has been vacant since the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025.
Police Clarify Investigation Involving Chief Adebisi Adaran
The police also addressed reports concerning Chief Adebisi Adaran, popularly known as Gbenden, who is a member of the Awujale kingmakers’ council.
According to the command, the chief was invited for questioning following a petition lodged against him. He reportedly honoured the invitation, was interrogated by investigators and subsequently released on self-recognisance.
The police explained that the invitation formed part of an ongoing investigative process and should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing.
Police Warn Against Misleading Reports
Reinforcing its position, the Ogun State Police Command assured residents that its officers would carry out their responsibilities without bias and with respect for the rights of everyone involved.
The command also urged members of the public to disregard false reports and avoid circulating information capable of increasing tension or creating unnecessary panic.
Its appeal comes against the background of the ongoing developments surrounding the selection of a new Awujale, an issue that has attracted attention amid legal and political disputes.
Quote Section: What Ogun Police Said About Chief Adaran
The police command specifically cautioned against interpreting the invitation extended to Chief Adebisi Adaran as an indication that he was guilty of any offence.
“The invitation was part of a legitimate investigative process and should not be misconstrued as an indication of guilt,” the command said.
Background To The Awujale Succession Dispute
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025.
Since then, the process of selecting a successor has been surrounded by legal and political disputes, placing the traditional institution and the activities surrounding the succession process under public attention.
While the police have denied reports that hoodlums laid siege to the palace, the command says its security deployment is intended to prevent disturbances and safeguard lives and property as developments surrounding the succession continue.
For now, the police have urged residents to remain calm, respect the ongoing investigative process and avoid spreading unverified information that could threaten public peace.
