By Dayo Johnson

Akure—FEAR has gripped the Iyasan community in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State as 10 kidnappers invaded the palace of their traditional ruler, Oba Abiodun Oyewunmi, Laragunsin of Iyasan, and took him away. The incident occurred on Monday at about 10p.m.

The kidnappers, who are yet to make contact with the monarch’s family at press time, reportedly came through the Owena River, were well armed and operated for over 30 minutes.

The Chairman of council, Sanmi Elumaro, confirmed the kidnapping. He said the kidnappers were fully armed, hence they could not be challenged by residents and palace guards, who watched helplessly as the Oba was taken away.

Council denies connection with obaship tusle

He denied that the incident had to do with the chieftaincy and legal tussle that trailed the installation of the Oba, saying “the Oba was properly installed by the king makers.”

Elumaro said the matter had been reported to the security agents in the state, adding that the Navy and Police detectives have swung into action to ensure the release of the Oba.

Ondo State Police image maker, Femi Joseph, who confirmed the abduction of the monarch, said investigation had begun to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Joseph assured members of the public that the Oba would soon be rescued as security operatives in the state are on the trail of the kidnappers.

Reports had it that the chiefs in the town and the king makers have held series of meetings since the incident happened.

Meanwhile, the people of the community were heard describing the incident as an abomination. Some of them concluded that the obaship tussle before Oyewunmi was installed Oba was responsible for his abduction.