Korede Abdullah in Lagos
No fewer than seven policemen have been shot, and one person killed, in a communal clash between Ido-Ijesa and Esa-Oke in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
The violence erupted following followed the appointment of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle, a neighbouring community to Esa-Oke by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
However, indigenes of Esa-Oke opposed the appointment, arguing that the newly installed monarch hails from Ilesa and that their town is distinct from Esa-Oke.
Africa Health Report (AHR) gathered that tensions had been rising for the past four days after some vigilante members, allegedly brought in by the new monarch, were arrested by the police.
Findings indicate that this led to a reinforcement by the monarch’s supporters, resulting in the death of Clement Ajayi in the early hours of today.
One of the indigenes of the town, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “This is a sad reminder of the deep-seated issues in our community. The government should take responsibility for this needless loss of lives.”
A few weeks ago, a similar incident occurred when the newly installed Ajeniju of Halleluyah, Oba Jelili Olaiya, was beaten and hospitalized, while his palace was also destroyed.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, stated that seven policemen were shot during the clash but assured that the command is in control of the situation.
