Suspected phone thief attacks Ondo monarch

Friday, March 27, 2026 - Residents of the ancient town of Ogbagi-Akoko in Ondo State, have expressed outrage and anger following a physical attack on the community’s revered traditional ruler, the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo, by a suspected phone thief.

The shocking incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Eyewitness accounts and sources close to the palace said the monarch was allegedly beaten severely by the lone assailant, identified as Tope Adelani.

The attack, described by many residents as both brazen and sacrilegious, reportedly left the royal father with multiple injuries, forcing his immediate transfer to a private hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

According to Ondo State Govt owned publication, Hope Newspaper, initial reports suggest that the suspect was not an unfamiliar face at the palace.

A palace source who craved anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident said that Adelani was a frequent visitor to the palace, a detail that deepened the mystery surrounding the motive behind the attack.

Sources revealed that the suspect had allegedly gained access to the palace around 11:00 a.m.

During the visit, he allegedly stole the monarch’s mobile phone and left the premises unnoticed.

However, in a surprising turn of events, he reportedly returned shortly afterward during which the situation escalated dramatically.

While being questioned directly by Oba Ojo over the alleged theft, the suspect was said to have suddenly turned violent.

And in what witnesses described as a shocking and unprovoked assault, Adelani allegedly attacked the monarch, delivering series of blows that left the royal father visibly injured.

It was gathered that members of the monarch’s family who attempted to intervene were also reportedly assaulted in the ensuing melee.

The suspect was eventually subdued and taken into police custody. 

The Ogbagi Youth Assembly, OYA, in a strongly worded statement, denounced the attack as unacceptable and contrary to the values and heritage that define Ogbagi people.

“The Ogbagi Youth Assembly stands firmly in solidarity with His Royal Highness, Oba Victor Adetona Ojo, the Odagbaragaja III. We reject in totality any action that disrespects our revered traditional institution,” the statement read.

“What has happened is not only an attack on an individual, but an affront to our collective heritage.”

The group also used the opportunity to call for calm among residents, particularly urging youths from Egako Quarter and other parts of the community to remain law-abiding and avoid any form of retaliation that could escalate tensions further.

In their appeal, they stressed the importance of unity and restraint, noting that justice must be pursued through lawful means.

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have confirmed that the suspect is already in custody and that investigations are ongoing.

Police sources, who pleaded anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the incident said that efforts were in top gear to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s motives and any possible underlying factors that may have contributed to his actions.