At least two people have lost their lives as a consequence of a chieftaincy conflict that has erupted in the rural area of Araromi-Owu, situated in Ago Owu at Ayedade Local Government Area within Osun State.
Tuesday saw the escalation of a conflict that started three days prior.
The crisis began when a resident of Orile Owu was chosen as the Baale (traditional leader) of Araromi Owu, despite objections from some members in the community who originated from Ibadan. The dissenting faction maintained that they had rightful claim to the throne.
The community became more tense after the newly elected leader withdrew from public life for royal rituals.
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As a result, an upset group mobilized their own violent gangsters which resulted in fierce confrontations. An eyewitness said, “There was gunfire and they fought each other mercilessly.
They murdered a security agent, set houses ablaze, blocked roads with bonfires and vandalized multiple properties including vehicles.”
According to Barrister Samuel Ojo, who is the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ademola Adeleke, there have been two fatalities resulting from the recent crisis.
He revealed that although similar incidents had occurred three or four days prior, they did not anticipate it escalating into a major problem.
However, following instructions from the governor for all Service Chiefs and their men to be deployed in town immediately after being alerted of the situation by Mr.Ojo himself ,they are confident in handling any potential future problems given current circumstances; so far only reporting these aforementioned casualties occurring as seen fit since then without further issue at this point .
Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson for Osun Police, verified that there is trouble in the area and declared that police units on wheels were dispatched to reestablish harmony and stability within the locality.
