5 persons shot, 5 houses burnt in Ekiti State
Our Reporter June 22, 2013 3 Comments »
5 persons shot, 5 houses burnt in Ekiti

• 22 arrested as angry youth protest chieftaincy tussle • Monarch chased out of palace

From CHARLES ADEGBITE, Ado-Ekiti

No fewer than five persons were shot yesterday in a fracas that broke out as angry youths stormed the palace of Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti and chased out the monarch, Oba Olaleye Oniyelu, for allegedly installing an unpopular person as a traditional chief.

Five houses were also razed by the irate youths, who pounced on the monarch for attempting to impose his own candidate as the Olugbosun (the third in hierarchy to the monarch and war chief) against popular wish of the people.

President of Ilupeju Ekiti Students Union, Mr. Tayo Fatile, was said to have also sustained serious injury during the fracas, as he was hit with the butt of a rifle during the scuffle.

The five persons shot, according to our sources, are now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, while the monarch was said quickly rescued out of the palace by security guards to avoid being beaten and wounded.

Saturday Sun gathered that the monarch was to have conferred Mr. Israel Ojo with the Olugbosun chieftaincy title about six days ago. Some chiefs, in company of other dissatisfied youths, converged on the palace yesterday to install Mr. Aseperi, who was said to be the popular choice of the people in the sleepy town, situated in Oye Local Government Area of the state.

Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police, Mr. Victor Babayemi, confirmed the arrest of 22 persons by his men in connection with the crisis in the town.

Narrating the incident to journalists in Ado Ekiti, an eyewitness said the monarch’s preferred candidate for the war chief title, Mr. Ojo, was allegedly going to the palace amid pomp and pageantry, in company of his family members, to receive the title, when some youths blocked and prevented him from entering the palace. This led to a serious battle between his group and the youths fought each other with dangerous weapons and charms.

A source in the community told correspondent that some youths, who were not comfortable with the decision of the monarch, had mobilised themselves and waylaid the Oba’s choice, leading to fracas.

Investigations also revealed that but for the timely intervention of the police, the palace of the monarch, which was vandalised, would have been set ablaze by the angry mob.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/cover/5-persons-shot-5-houses-burnt-in-ekiti/

Its a shame that people are destroying lives and properties in Ekiti state over irrelevant titles. Its also a big shame that a traditional institution would stoop so low as to lose its integrity. The local chief or king needs to listen more to his people's desire. All this shows that ignorance is rampant in Ekiti state.

Rare Diamond: Its a shame that people are destroying lives and properties in Ekiti state over irrelevant titles. Its also a big shame that a traditional institution would stoop so low as to lose its integrity. The local chief or king needs to listen more to his people's desire. All this shows that ignorance is rampant in Ekiti state.

my brother, have you forgotten that chieftaincy tittle goes as low as 20k these day? Is no longer acquired on merit I.e on service to humanity basis. Every Tom and Joystick now has traditional tittles. Our traditional institutions are nothing to write home about.

Can somebody confirm if ileke adi is still alive!!!!

amarilo: Can somebody confirm if ileke adi is still alive!!!!

the person you are looking for,is he a chief or ordinary tout made chief ?

chidindufrank: the person you are looking for,is he a chief or ordi
nary tout made chief ?

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! That is like the funniest thing I've read in a every long time.