5 shot, 22 houses burnt in Ekiti chieftaincy crisis

A disagreement over the choice of a candidate for a traditional title in Ilupeju community in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State descended into a crisis on Friday,with five people shot and 22 houses burnt.

It was gathered that the crisis ensued when one of the two contenders for the Olugbosu (war chief) of Ilupeju Ekiti was allegedly installed by the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Olaleye Oniyelu.

The contest is said to be between one Mr Kayode Ojo and Mr James Aseperi, who is said to be a retired soldier.

It was gathered that one of the contestants was dancing to the palace in company with his family and friends for his installation when they were attacked by loyalists of the other contestant, at about 8.00 a.m.

Some members of the community claimed that youths of the community did not like the choice of Ojo, alleged to be the choice of the traditional ruler and had allegedly mobilised themselves and waylaid the Oba’s choice, leading to pandemonium in the community.

In the ensuing melee, sources said no fewer than five people were shot and injured, while others were said to have received machete cuts.

The intervention of the police, it was said, saved the situation as, sources alleged, the palace of the traditional ruler, which was vandalised, would have been set ablaze by the mob.

The Apeju of Ilupeju, Oba Oniyelu, was allegedly smuggled out of the palace by security men that intervened in the crisis.

Reacting to the development by telephone, Oba Oniyelu confirmed the crisis, but denied being spirited from the palace.

Efforts to ascertain where he was were rebuffed by him.

The Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mr Victor Babayemi, confirmed the mayhem.

He said 22 people had been arrested in connection with the crisis.

Babayemi stated that the suspects were currently in police custody and were undergoing interrogation.

According to him, no casualty was recorded, but weapons were recovered from the suspects.

He said but for the timely intervention of the police, the situation would have degenerated.