Akure Monarch Denies Complicity in Toddler’s Abduction from a Church

Ololade Adeyanju/

The Deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has denied involvement in the issues surrounding the abduction of a one-year-old child from a church in the town and the mayhem which followed on Wednesday, when the church was burnt down by a mob.

The victim, Gold Kolawole, was reportedly stolen from Sotitobire Miracle Church during Sunday service a month ago.

The General Overseer of the church, Alfa Babatunde, was consequently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) following allegations that the police were not being professional in their handling of the investigation.

The church was however razed by angry youths on Wednesday after it was rumoured that the remains of the missing child had been exhumed from its altar.

It, however, turned out to be untrue, but two people, including a policeman, were killed and many others injured in the fracas that ensued.

A statement by the palace’s spokesman, Adeyeye Michael, today said the reaction was coming on the heels of the allegation of the Deji’s complicity.

“It is on record that the parents of the missing child had protested to the Deji’s Palace on Tuesday 12th November, 2019 seeking the intervention of the monarch,” the statement said.

The statement further reads, “Undoubtedly, the Deji quickly intervened and constantly followed up on the case to ensure that justice is served by inviting the General Overseer of the Church, the Parents of the Child and the teachers at the children section.

“The Deji equally urged the security agencies to carry out a thorough and discreet investigation in order to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the child and bring perpetrators to book.

“It is therefore unreasonable, illogical and a total falsehood to allege the monarch of complicity and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

“This is a blatant lie from the pit of hell and an attempt to denigrate the revered stool of the Deji.

“It is laughable and barbaric that some faceless individuals also claim that His Majesty received a huge sum of money to push for the release of the cleric and also compromise the investigators.

“This remains a figment of the imagination of whoever is behind the rumour. We challenge anyone with such evidence to provide it.

“We deeply frown at any attempt to bring the revered institution into disrepute by these rumour mongers for any reasons. We urge the good people of Akure kingdom and the general public to disregard such satanic rumour from these faceless and wicked individuals.

“The Kabiyesi will not in any way be part of any attempt to prevent the law from taking its due course. As a man who believes in justice and equity, he will not be involved in any shady dealings under any guise. It is therefore wrong for anyone to drag the Deji into such matter which is criminal in nature with the intent of disrupting investigation. This is malicious with no iota of truth.

“His Majesty is ever ready to support any move that will help to find the missing child, unravel the mystery and bring any person or group of persons involved to book.

“The palace wishes to enjoin the Security agencies to expedite action on their investigation in the search of the child, as our confidence is unshaken in their ability to do justice without fear or favour.

“We urge our people to refrain from making unsubstantiated allegations that could jeopardize the ongoing Investigation but only lead to unnecessary incitement.

“We are confident that evil cannot triumph over good and our heartfelt sympathy and prayer is with the family of the missing child.”

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