NSDC Official Killed, Palace Razed In Osun Obaship Crisis, Gov Adeleke Orders Deployment Of Security Agents

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a massive deployment of Security Agents to restore peace in two communities feuding over chieftaincy issue.

Already, an official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has reportedly been killed in the process, Many others  sustained various degrees of injuries.

Also a Palace belonging to one of the communities was completely razed.

Crisis erupted between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local government area of the State since Tuesday evening.

Many residents were thrown into panic to the extent that some have  relocated from their homes for fear of an attack over the Obaship selection tussle.

According to sources, the injured NSCDC officers have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The State Government, in a statement,  issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said many properties were lost to the violent confrontation.

The Commissioner said Governor Adeleke has directed the immediate deployment of Security Personnel to fish out those behind the dastardly act and bring them to justice.

While calling for calm, Alimi stated that, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved and directed that security operatives should immediately be stationed in the areas to protect the communities by maintaining law and order.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.”

He also announced that the Government has ordered that the chieftaincy selection process which caused the communal clash be, henceforth, suspended.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Ojo, to mobilize security operatives to the towns to maintain law and order, ensuring that anyone caught not abiding by the law is arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“The Government has the duty of protecting the lives and properties of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade Local Government, hence directing that any act or movement contrary to peace, and which may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the communities, is not acceptable.

“The Government, particularly, commiserates with the families of those who lost their properties in the communal clash and added that the rift will be duly investigated.

“The Government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment and assured Osun residents of security, while also calling for the support of residents, and urged everyone to embrace peace.”