The Ogun State Police Command has denied claims that suspected thugs and miscreants laid siege to the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The command explained that the presence of police officers at the palace was part of a proactive security arrangement intended to prevent disturbances, protect lives and property, and sustain public order.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babas Eyi, said the deployment was solely aimed at preventing any threat to public peace.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the deployment of its personnel to the palace was strictly a preventive security measure aimed at maintaining law and order, safeguarding lives and property, and forestalling any breakdown of public peace,” the statement said.
The police also disclosed that an Assistant Commissioner of Police was assigned to supervise the operation and ensure proper coordination of the security arrangement.
“To ensure effective supervision and operational coordination, an Assistant Commissioner of Police was deployed to oversee the security arrangement at the palace,” the statement added.
The command also provided clarification on the police invitation of Chief Adebisi Adaran, popularly known as Gbenden, following reports concerning his interaction with officers.
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According to the statement, the invitation came after the police received a written petition containing allegations against him.
“He honoured the invitation, was questioned in connection with the allegations and was subsequently released on self-recognisance, while investigations continue,” the police said.
The command maintained that inviting Adaran for questioning did not amount to a declaration of guilt, stressing that the action was part of its established investigative procedures.
“The invitation was part of a legitimate investigative process and should not be misconstrued as an indication of guilt,” the statement emphasised.
Reaffirming its commitment to impartial policing, the command said it would continue to discharge its duties professionally while upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of individuals.
It appealed to residents to remain calm, ignore unverified accounts and refrain from spreading information that could trigger unnecessary tension or disrupt public peace.
“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property, the preservation of public order and the impartial enforcement of the law throughout Ogun State,” the statement added.