We were ordered to kill, burn monarch’s corpse-Suspect

Fasinu

One of the suspects, Bolaji, arrested in connection with the assassination of the traditional ruler of Owo town, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Patrick Fasinu, yesterday revealed that he and others at large were hired to do the job.

Bolaji was arrested along with the personal driver of the late monarch. Bolaji was arrested at Ogbo village, near Ipokia area of the state, while coming out of a swampy forest.

During his interrogation before the Baale of Ogbo, Ipokia Local Government Area, Bolaji claimed to have missed his way after he and his gang murdered the royal father.

The suspect, who described himself as a motor boy, claimed to have come from Ajangbadi area of Lagos State.

He also revealed that those who hired them to kill the monarch, gave ordered the gang to kill and burn the remains of Fasinu. The suspect was later handed over to policemen from Ipokia Police Station before being transferred to Ilaro.

The suspected assassins on Wednesday night attacked Fasinu on his way back from a meeting of Yewa Traditional Council in the Ilaro. 

The royal father had reportedly dropped off his driver along the way and was headed home in his Toyota Camry car when the assailants waylaid him along Ijako-Isagbo road in Oke-Odan.

He was dragged out of the vehicle and hacked with an axe. The assailant allegedly bundled his corpse into the vehicle before setting it on fire.

The burnt remains of the traditional ruler were recovered the following day, Thursday, by policemen.

Speaking with reporters at the weekend at Olowo palace, younger brother of the monarch, Prince Olaolu Fasinu, described those who perpetrated the murder as ‘inhuman and devilish.’

He disclosed that for almost 13 years since the Olowo was enthroned; there had been one crisis or the other in the town.

He added:  "There has been crisis within the Anagos and the Ogus, and the taking over of some portion of land by the state government for agricultural purposes. There is a case in court now involving Kabiyesi and some people in the town on the allocation of farm settlement and payment of compensations. The allegation was that Kabiyesi had collected money as a form of compensation from government without releasing the money to the original land owners. The case is in the High Court, Ota now."

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that the driver of the late monarch was arrested based on the claim that he was the last person that saw him.  Oyeyemi, however, stated that he had not been briefed on Bolaji's arrest.

He added: "It is the homicide section that is handling the case. On Monday, they would brief us on how far they have gone. But, I’m aware of the arrest of the driver.”