by Akan Ido

Hoodlums yesterday attacked a traditional ruler, Oba Lateef Adeniran, in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Adeniran was attacked, stripped naked in public glare and his palace was also  burnt down following a Supreme Court judgement.

His wives and children reportedly escaped being lynched by rampaging youths who attacked the palace.

It was gathered that the monarch’s attackers were protesting the validation of his appointment by a Supreme Court judgement delivered in January 12, 2009  allegedly stormed his palace but, did not meet the monarch and  destroyed his cars.

The traditional ruler, who was in a vehicle on his way to Ilaro, was stopped by the youths, beaten, and stripped naked.

According to findings, Oba Adeniran is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital for the injuries he sustained on his head and other parts of the body.

Reports say the protesters destroyed property in the palace and also attacked palace officials in the process.

According to a source, “It was on his way from Ilaro that some of the rioters saw him, beat him blue black  and tore his garment   before he luckily escaped  by the whiskers from being brutally injured.”

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed the attack saying everything will be done to bring all the perpetrators to justice.

“I know some people went to the palace and attacked the Oba of Ado-Odo but normalcy has been returned to the town. The Commissioner of Police has been there and we are going to ensure that the needful is done to bring all those involved in the act to book,” the police spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the state government, through its commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo, has appealed to the people of the community to shun violence and maintain peace.

Oladipo said,”The government would not condone such acts of lawlessness.we  would not hesitate to impose curfew on the town if the residents failed to maintain peace and order.

“The  state government will  immediately set up a panel of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate cause of the crisis that led to the beating of Olofin of Ado Odo, Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni and the burning of his palace.

“The recommendations of the panel will  be implemented  in order to allow peace and tranquility to reign in the town.”