Agosasa crisis politically motivated, says youth group

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta
Youths in Agosasa under the aegis of Agosasa Youth Development Forum (AYDF) have described the recent crisis in the town as politically motivated. 
The group said contrary to reports in the media, the crisis is not brewing as a result of the vacant Oja of Agosasa stool, but rather due to the tussle for power in Ipokia Local Government as the 2023 elections draw near. 
The youth group made this assertion in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Wednesday. 
It would be recalled that clashes erupted in the town at the weekend, leading to the death of at least one person.
The violence also left many residents with injuries, while property worth several millions of naira were reported to have been destroyed. 
However, AYDF noted that the clashes that have thrown the town into turmoil is being sponsored by one Alhaji Fatai Ajibola, the Akogun of Ipokia land. 
According to the group, after intensive investigation from various sources within the community, the attacks were instigated by the Alhaji Ajibola alongside some other persons, including one Abogunrin Sunday, popularly known as Okosun. 
The fracas, according to the group, started last week Friday when some thugs loyal to Ajibola beat up one Adegun who is a Chief in Agosasa. 
“Wasiu Adeogun who intervened during the process, got stabbed on the wrist.  
“The following day, Saturday,Lateef Ogunro, an ally of Otunba Akeem Adigun was stabbed on the head while sitting on his own. 
“On Sunday, thugs invaded the House of Otunba Akeem Adigun and threatened to attack him in front of his house. Alhaji Adigun’s brother who came out of the vehicle to resolve the tension got stabbed. Yet, Alhaji Adigun did not retaliate 
“On Monday, around 12.05pm, Alhaji Adigun was on his way out of Agosasa for a peace meeting convened by the state government when some thugs led by one Amosun Nafiu popularly known as Marine attacked his convoy. 
“They made an attempt to hit Otunba Adigun on the head with a cudgel before police officers attached to Otunba Adigun repelled the attack. Otunba Adigun thereafter escaped the scene alongside his security details. 
“The enraged thugs thereafter regrouped and went on a rampage, burning down several property belonging to high profile indigenes of Agosasa. 
“They attacked the residence of Otunba Adigun, burning several property, including vehicles. 
“Others that had their houses and property burnt, include former council chairman, Ipokia LG, Hon. Isiaka Aderohunmu, who is the current Commissioner 2 for SUBEB, Onisa of Agosasa, father of Hon. Aderohunmu; Chief Nafiu Babatunde, Eselu of Agosasa, Chief M. A Adeogun, the Balogun of Agosasa, Mr. Olaiya, while the house of Mr. Wasiu Adeogun aka Wasfa was burnt and his boutique robbed. 
“Those that were attacked are all loyal to Otunba Akeem Adigun and the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State,” the youth group said.