Ogun: Obaship dispute gets fierce as hoodlums kill security operative

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

A long-standing Obaship conflict in the Oluke community, located in Ogun State, has escalated dramatically, resulting in the shooting of two local chiefs and the tragic death of a member of the Ogun State Security outfit, known as So-Safe-Corps.

The dispute over who rightfully holds the traditional leadership in the town has sparked unrest, leading to petitions and allegations of threats to lives and properties against Adeola Isha, whose installment as monarch has been fiercely contested.

According to a petition addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun by indigenes and residents represented by lawyer Michael Raji, the community has endured over fifteen years of intimidation allegedly orchestrated by Ishau Adeola and his associates.

The situation worsened on Thursday evening when unidentified gunmen attacked local chiefs returning from a meeting, highlighting the deep polarization between supporters of Adeola and opposing Baales contesting his legitimacy.

Confirming the attack, the Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, disclosed that two chiefs were shot, and a So-Safe-Corps officer responding to the incident was fatally wounded.

The Police added that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators, while the injured chiefs receive treatment.

Also confirming the incident, Oba Fatai Akamo, the traditional ruler of Itoriland, overseeing the affected community, disclosed that he had visited the injured chiefs in the hospital, as tensions continue to grip the area.