In the town of Araromi-Owu, situated in the Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, a monarchy tussle has led to a tragic turn of events claiming the lives of two individuals.
Beginning to unfold last week, the conflict escalated into a full-blown crisis on Tuesday, characterized by the burning of vehicles by the disgruntled party involved in the dispute.
A community member, Ismail Olaoye, revealed that hired mercenaries set ablaze a road leading to the town in an attempt to prevent law enforcement from entering the area.
Reports indicate that a group of thugs ambushed a group of security personnel dispatched to the community, resulting in injuries to some of the officers.
Another source, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the unrest has claimed five lives, with several houses and cars being set on fire by the violent mob. Their anger stemmed from their disagreement with the appointed monarch for the community, asserting that the individual was unqualified.
According to the undisclosed source, “The faction disputing the throne of the community opposed the appointment of another candidate who had already begun preparations for assuming the role. This disagreement led to prolonged protests which ultimately spiraled into a crisis.”
SP Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson for the Osun police command, verified the tragedy, noting that a mobile police force and a specialized police unit have been dispatched to the town to restore peace.
Similarly, Barrister Samuel Ojo, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State on Security, clarified that contrary to some claims, only two casualties have been reported, emphasizing that the situation could have been far more dire without the timely intervention of the government several days ago.
“Our intervention five days ago prevented a more severe outcome. The loss of life stands at two, not five as speculated, and currently, all security agencies within the state are actively engaged in reestablishing law and order within the community,” he affirmed.