The ancient town of Agosasa in Ipokia local government area of Ogun State was on Monday turned to theater of war following bloodshed and destruction of properties over who to become next traditional ruler of the community
Penpushing reports that, the stool became vacant after demise of the first traditional ruler of the community, Oba James Elegbede, in February, while controversy started over who to succeed the late monarch
The Monday bloody clash was reported to have recorded three deaths, but the Ogun State Police Command in a statement, in contrary submission said one person was fatally injured as at the time of filing this report.
Penpushing further reports that, the youth in protest against the proposed installation of a new monarch embarked on a protest, accusing a leader in the community as behind the plot to install the new controversial monarch
The restive youth alleged Akeem Adigun a former council chairman and appointee of Governor Dapo Abiodun, and, Isiaka Aderounmu along others of masterminding plan to install unpopular candidate as the traditional ruler
Penpushing also reports that, in the course of the violence, Adigun was reported to have fled the community, and could not be reach as at the time of this report,, while number properties which include houses and vehicle were set ablaze
The community was said to have been deserted by number of residents, while those who could not were said to have kept indoor for fear of their lives, and five reported injured receiving treatment in hospital
Penpushing reports that Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyem confirmed the incident, but said he was not aware of any death, adding that team of policemen had been deployed to the community .
‘The incident in Agosasa is an Obaship tussle. Unfortunately, one person was shot. We learnt that some houses and vehicles were razed. But our men are there on ground. The operation is being led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations’
‘Normalcy has been restored and our men are on the ground to forestall further escalation of the crisis. If everyone in the town had been killed before the installation, who will whoever emerges the king rule over?’, he added.
‘It doesn’t worth it. Nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of anybody. We should learn how to address issues legally instead of toeing the path of violence. It doesn’t pay anybody”, Oyeyemi emphasised
Penpushing further reports, as at the time of filing this reports, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson said that some arrests have been made, but kept mute on details about the arrested suspects.
The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in reaction to the ugly development on Wednesday, Governor expressed his displeasure over the incident, pointing out that there are legitimate channels to address issues in the state.
‘When the issue came up, I said the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs should immediately take up the matter, but I was taken aback when I learnt that some people have started taking laws into their hands even while we are looking at the matter already,” he said.
‘I have decided to track everyone involved in the incident either directly or remotely no matter how highly placed they might be. Ogun State was never known for this, you can take my words’, Abiodun declared
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