Traditional Ruler Escapes Death, As Mob Set Palace, Cars, Motorcycles Ablaze

Burnt Vehicle in the Palace

By Our Correspondent

The traditional ruler of Igbaye in Odo-Otin local government area of Osun State, Oba

Joseph Okunlola-Oni on Tuesday escaped being lynched as irate youths in  the community set the monarch's palace ablaze.

They also set two cars and ten motorcycles ablaze

This followed the crisis that erupted in the community on the position of the Obaship of the community.

 

The crisis started after a clash between two groups, supporters of Oba Joseph Okunlola-Oni and his rival, Prince AbdulGaniyu Oyenike, leading to the death of one Hamzat, allegedly killed by a bullet from a security operatives gun.

It was gathered that supporters of Morounfoye, angered by the death of one of them went haywire and while attempting to avenge the death, set the monarch’s vehicle, palace and motorcycles ablaze.

 

Speaking on the incident, Oba Okunlola-Oni said he was almost lynched but for the expertise of security operatives, adding that no monarch deserved such treatment

He said, “The incident is a very terrible one, a traditional monarch doesn’t deserve such violent and mob attacks.

Unfortunately, security operatives have not made an arrest in connection with the crime of destroying the palace.

“The incident is so unfortunate, the police are yet to arrest anybody. The hoodlums destroyed everything in the palace. They burnt 10 motorcycles, they set all the palace ablaze including two vehicles”.

On his part, a resident, Rasheed Damola said the mob, mostly supporters of Prince Oyenike, were trying to avenge the death o Hamzat who was killed by a bullet shot by security operatives while trying to scare the mob away while another one is still in the hospital from a bullet injury.

“The situation is best described as carnage, with people going around setting properties ablaze randomly. The palace, two cars and many motorcycles were set on fire. It is very terrible”, he said