The Elesin-Ele of Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, has strongly denied reports claiming he was arrested or questioned by security operatives over the abduction of 40 schoolchildren and their teachers in the area.
The monarch described the reports, which circulated widely on social media, as false, misleading and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Rumours had emerged alleging that Oba Abioye was either arrested or invited for questioning over purported links to individuals suspected of involvement in the mass abduction that occurred in May around Ahoro-Esiele, Yawota and neighbouring communities.
However, reacting to the claims, the traditional ruler categorically stated that he had never been arrested, detained or interrogated by any security agency.
“I have never been arrested for questioning by any security agency because I don’t have a skeleton in my cupboard, and I will remain in my palace and support efforts to improve security in the area,” the monarch declared.
Oba Abioye maintained that he has consistently supported security initiatives aimed at tackling criminality and restoring peace in communities under his domain.
The monarch’s rebuttal was further reinforced by the Oyo State Police Command, which also dismissed the reports as entirely false.
Police authorities clarified that there was no basis for the claims and urged members of the public to disregard the misinformation circulating online.
The controversy stems from the high-profile abduction of 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, an incident that sparked widespread concern and intensified security operations across affected communities.
While investigations into the kidnapping continue, both the monarch and the police have insisted that reports linking Oba Abioye to the crime or suggesting that he had been arrested are completely unfounded.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper indicate that security agencies are continuing efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction while urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and damaging reputations.
