Tension In Ikire As Irate Youths Chase Monarch Out Of Palace

 

• Two dead as Thugs, Soldiers Clash

Claims to the Kingship of Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of the State of Osun took another dimension on Monday, as irate youths chased away the Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi Lambeloye III and his chiefs from the palace.

According to reports, two residents of the town have also been pronounced dead.

Trouble began around 10 in the morning when some Youths calling for the ouster of Oba Falabi, stormed the palace with different inscriptions protesting the non-implementation of a court judgement which sought the removal of the monarch noting that his continued stay on the throne is illegal.

The areas affected by the development are; Sabo, Oke Ada, Monro, Sango, Popo, Obada, Oja Ale and Ita-Ikun.

The Supreme Court had in 2014 ruled that it was not the turn of Oba Olatunde Falabi to be on the throne while a similar judgement was also delivered by the State High Court in Ikire few months ago.

Security operatives have been deployed to the town to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

However, the presence of security operatives especially men of the Nigerian Army further aggravated the situation as a clash between soldiers and some irate Youths reportedly led to the death of two persons.

A resident of Ikire who preferred anonymity told OSUN DEFENDER, “The rival faction to the current monarch who has impending court judgements on his neck stormed the palace this morning.

“When they got there, they chased the chiefs away with several placards. They are insisting Oba Falabi should go. We also learnt that the monarch has been whisked away to safety by some unidentified persons.

“There was a report of an altercation around Mateba area where soldiers vehicle was destroyed by some irate youths. They were also said to have taken 4 guns from the soldiers van away. The Army vehicle was also vandalised. This they said infuriated the soldiers and called for reinfocement. So far, two people are said to have died.

“The soliders are patrolling the town in search for their guns. The demonstration in the palace caused the tension to heighten as thugs took over the process leading to attacks everywhere.

“Currently, there is tension in the town. There are reports of more people dead. People have been advised to stay indoors while most notable areas of the town are manned by soldiers. The community also has inhabitants who are students of Osun State University whose campus is here. Everyone has been told to stay indoors. There are sounds of gunshots everywhere.”

As at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that security operatives have taken over the ancient town while some Youths were seen on the streets.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the State of Osun, Yemisi Opalola said “the police is awaiting comprehensive reports from the incident.”