Armed robbers invaded the palace of the paramount ruler of Okuku community in Odo-Otin area of Osun State, Oba Oyebode Oluronke II, early on Friday, carting away property valued at over N1 billion.

The attack underscored a rise in the number of attacks on monarchs in the state as some palaces, which included that of the Olobaagun of Obaagun in Ifelodun Local Government Area, have been attacked lately. It was gathered that the king was wounded on the hand during the attack, even as he was said to be receiving medical treatment when our correspondent visited the palace on Friday.

The Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who is from one of the royal families of Okuku, has promised an undisclosed reward for anyone with information that could help track down the invaders. Oyinlola, who spoke through his Special Assistant and Chief Press Secretary, Mr Lasisi Olagunju, described the attack as unfortunate. Oluronke, who expressed shock over the attack, said the value of the cash and properties stolen by the hoodlums was above N1 billion.

A palace source told our correspondent that the robbers, numbering 12, gained access into the palace through the gate and a window in the toilet overlooking the road. It was gathered that the hoodlums tied the security guards at the gates before storming the king’s apartment, where they carted his staff of office, traditional costumes, 10 beaded crowns, ancient beads, feathers, cowries, and several other artefacts. Two new cars belonging to the king were stolen by the hoodlums but one of them, a Toyota Camry, was recovered in neighbouring Inisa after the car’s security device had immobilised it.

The police have taken custody of the car, which was recovered at the Railway Crossing in Inisa, on Friday morning. An indigene, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “They (armed robbers) came in a convoy of four vehicles. After gaining entry into the king’s apartment, the robbers descended on all the artefacts in sight. They stole the ancient robe worn by Okuku kings during coronation. We, indigenes, have decided to invoke the spirit of our forebearers on the robbers because they have come to desecrate our land. They shall all perish in seven days. The robbers came around 2.30a.m and they operated for more than an hour before they left the palace and headed for the Inisa – Ikirun route.”

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Osun State Command, Mr Joshua Olayemi, said no suspect had been arrested but assured that detectives were working round the clock to track down the robbers. It was gathered that the attack on the Olokuku had sent fears into the circle of traditional rulers in the state.