Obaship Tussle: One dead as arsonists set Osun traditional ruler’s palace ablaze

The palace had been under lock since the state government installed Oba Olalekan Akadiri as Akirun on October 27.

News Agency of Nigeria • November 23, 2022

Front of Akirun’s palace used to illustrate story.[Photo Credit: Vanguard News]

One person was feared shot dead in Ikirun, Osun State, on Wednesday, as suspected arsonists also set part of the palace of the Akirun of Ikirun, the traditional ruler of the community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, on fire.

Trouble started when a group of persons tried to force their way into the palace (that had been locked and sealed off with traditional charms), but were resisted by some residents of the community.

In the imbroglio that ensued, one person was reported to have been shot dead and part of the palace set ablaze.

Police operatives have been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.

When contacted, spokesperson of the police in Osun, SP Yemisi Opalola, said she could not speak on the incident as the police were still gathering information.

The palace had been under lock since the state government installed Oba Olalekan Akadiri as Akirun on October 27.

Some people in the town, who had been calling for a reversal of Mr Akadiri’s appointment and installation, allegedly locked up the palace to deny the installed Oba access to the palace

On October 27, police in Osun confirmed that five persons were shot during a protest that greeted the announcement and installation of Mr Akadiri as the new Akirun.

The state government in line with the order of the court ratified the candidature of Mr Akadiri on October 26 at the state’s cabinet meeting.

The announcement sparked protests in the community as the Gboleru ruling house kicked against the announcement.

Ms Opalola said then that injuries sustained by the gunshot victims were not life-threatening.

She said the police had not made any arrests, but normalcy was restored in the community.

“Victims were shot during the protest, but peace has returned to the town.

“It started on Wednesday after the state government announced a new Oba for Ikirun, and some youths were said to have stormed the streets in protest.

“A Deputy Commissioner of Police led operatives to the town. Those shot are responding to treatment. Normalcy has returned,’’ Ms Opalola said in October.

(NAN)

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