A first-class traditional ruler in Ondo State, the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Olasehinde Adetona, has been assaulted by a lone attacker inside his palace in Akoko North West Local Government Area.

The incident, which has unsettled residents, comes barely a month after the killing of Oba Jacob Kehinde Falodun in a similar attack.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect, identified as Tope Adelani, allegedly stormed the palace around 11 a.m. and physically attacked the monarch, leaving him with multiple injuries. The royal father was immediately rushed to a private hospital for treatment.

Sources revealed that Adelani, said to be a regular visitor to the palace, had earlier approached the monarch seeking employment as a driver. Although there was no available position, the monarch reportedly assured him of future consideration.

However, tensions escalated after the monarch returned from his farm. The suspect allegedly followed him into the palace, seized his phones, switched them off, and launched a violent attack. Family members who tried to intervene were also reportedly assaulted.

Palace guards eventually subdued the suspect and handed him over to security operatives. A knife was recovered from him, raising suspicions about his intentions.

Reacting to the development, the Ogbagi Youth Assembly strongly condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on the community’s cultural heritage. The group emphasized that the traditional institution remains a symbol of unity and must be respected and protected.

They also urged residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against any retaliatory actions that could worsen the situation. The group further called for improved security around the palace, noting that better measures might have prevented the incident.

Confirming the attack, the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that the case was not initially reported to the police but to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Meanwhile, the incident has heightened fear among residents, with many calling for stronger security arrangements to safeguard traditional rulers across the state.