The suspects also reportedly shot the monarch’s wife in her right hand.

By Olufemi Ojomo

Updated June 14, 2026

Photo of Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, traditional ruler of Ode Eriya village in Owo Local Government

There is growing tension in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the abduction of the community monarch, Adeniyi Adelana, by suspected gunmen.

Adelana is the traditional ruler of Ode Eriya village in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The armed assailants were said to have stormed the palace of the monarch at about 8:00 pm on Friday June, 13 2026 and took him away.

According to information gathered from the locals, the armed assailants, numbering about six, stormed the community and forcefully whisked the traditional ruler away through a nearby bush path.

The suspects also reportedly shot the monarch’s wife in her right hand.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.

Jimoh wrote, “In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care.”

The police Spokesperson also disclosed that operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, were swiftly mobilised to the scene following a distress call.

“A full-scale search-and-rescue operation has since been launched, with police operatives combing surrounding forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes to locate and rescue the abducted community leader,’’ Jimoh said.

Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness.”