Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has issued a stern warning to youths involved in the violent attack on the Ajeniju of Halleluyah area, Oba Jelili Olaiya, and the destruction of his palace.
The incident occurred after a protest on Friday by some Ido Osun youths, displeased by the monarch’s installation of a Chief Imam for the community in December 2024.
According to a local source, the protest escalated into violence, resulting in part of the palace being vandalised and the monarch sustaining injuries.
The youths opposed the installation because Ido Osun governs the area. “The protest however turned violent. Part of the palace was vandalised and the monarch was injured.
“The youths from Ido Osun did not want the monarch to install an Imam there because the area is under Ido Osun. Security agents have taken over the premises of the palace,” the source said.
Governor Adeleke condemned the act of self-help in a statement issued by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed. He directed the state Commissioner of Police to secure the area and arrest those responsible for the violence.
Additionally, he instructed the Olojudo of Ido Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde, to rein in the youths amidst the ongoing law enforcement.
“Resorting to violence to resolve communal disputes is unacceptable and those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.
Aside from law enforcement, I have further directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde to commence immediate peace-building and conflict de-escalation in collaboration with the security agencies.
“Any community with grievances is free to approach relevant government agencies to table such for conflict resolution. We will not tolerate violence under whatever guise,” the governor warned.
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