The Elesinele of Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, and the Oyo State Police Command have dismissed reports alleging that the traditional ruler was arrested or invited for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations into the recent abduction of pupils, students, and teachers in the area.
Reports circulating on social media had claimed that the monarch was either arrested or summoned by security operatives over alleged links to individuals suspected of involvement in the school abduction that affected communities around Ahoro-Esiele, Yawota, and neighbouring settlements.
However, speaking with the foresight media orrespondent, Oba Abioye described the reports as false, insisting that he had neither been arrested nor detained by any security agency.
The monarch reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the unfortunate incident, while also working to restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.
The Oyo State Police Command also denied the reports. Reacting to claims that the traditional ruler had been invited for questioning, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso Ayanlade, dismissed the allegation.
“Nothing but false, sir,” Ayanlade said when contacted on the matter.
The police spokesperson maintained that reports linking the monarch to any arrest or invitation by security agencies were untrue.
The reports surfaced weeks after armed kidnappers attacked schools within Oriire Local Government Area, abducting several pupils, students, and education personnel in an incident that attracted widespread condemnation across Oyo State and beyond.
While investigations into the abduction are ongoing, security agencies have continued efforts to secure the release of victims still in captivity and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives, while community stakeholders have cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could undermine ongoing investigations.
As of the time of filing this report, no security agency has issued any statement linking Oba Tajudeen Abioye to the abduction case, while both the monarch and the police insist that reports of his arrest or invitation for questioning are entirely unfounded.
