A family source revealed that around ten gunmen stormed the royal palace at approximately 7:10pm on Wednesday, intent on kidnapping the monarch. The Oba reportedly put up fierce resistance against his attackers, and when bullets allegedly failed to bring him down, the assailants dragged him out of the palace and struck him on the head with a blunt object. His lifeless body was found by family members shortly after the attackers fled the area.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, who stated that a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu, alerted the division at around 7:50pm. According to the police, six armed men forcibly removed the traditional ruler from his compound before fleeing. He was found a short distance away with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised tactical teams alongside local security outfits, including Atuluse Security operatives, local hunters, and Amotekun personnel, to search surrounding bushes and communities for the fleeing suspects.