The Ogun State Police Command announced on Tuesday that it had initiated an investigation into an alleged assassination attempt on Adebowale Emmanuel, a chief in the Iredo Community of Lagos State, in connection with a kingship dispute.
PUNCH Online learnt that the victim was travelling from Ijebu Ode to Ikorodu via the Ijebu Ode-Epe Expressway on Monday when the suspects allegedly attempted to take his life.
The Ogun State Police Command’s spokesperson, Odutola Omolola, revealed this in a statement obtained by our correspondent.
Odutola noted that several bullets tore through the victim’s vehicles during the attack.
“As soon as he became aware that his life was in danger, he managed to scamper for safety, manoeuvred the vehicle, and continued driving on,” Odutola stated.
“Further investigation revealed a power scuffle over who would be the next king within the ruling family over the coronation of a new king, even though the current king, despite being of an advanced age, is well and alive.
“Detectives in the line of duty have visited the scene to put the community under control and avoid any form of escalation or senseless killings.
“The car sprayed by bullets has been recovered at the police station as preliminary investigations have commenced to ensure no life is lost,” Odutola stated.
In 2022, Ayinde Odetola, the traditional ruler of Agodo village in the Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, was murdered similarly by suspected hoodlums.
The chief was allegedly set ablaze after being hacked to death by the assailants.
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