ICYMI: Policemen shot, palace razed as residents protest choice of Osun traditional ruler

Two policemen sustained gunshot injuries, while another person is feared to have been killed, following the outbreak of violence in Ikirun, Osun state.

The development comes amid protests over the choice of Olalekan Kadiri as the Akirun of Ikirun in Ifelodun LGA — the position was declared vacant on February 2021 after the demise of Rauf Adedeji who had held the position since 1991.

Kadiri was announced as the new Akirun on October 27 by the state government in a statement by Funke Egbemode, Osun commissioner for information.

He was said to have been chosen following majority of votes in his favour at a meeting of Ikirun kingmakers on November 19, 2021, where he polled six out of seven votes to defeat 17 other candidates.

However, Kadiri’s appointment has received varied reactions, resulting in protests by some residents.

Things took a different turn on Wednesday when the palace of the Akirun of Ikirun was set ablaze.

In a statement on the development, Yemisi Opalola, Osun police spokesperson, said two firefighters were also injured.

“The Commissioner of Police, Faleye Olaleye, is miffed about the kingship crises that erupted in Ikirun Town today despite series of peace meetings held with the relevant stakeholders/parties over the kingship tussle, since the announcement of the installation of the new Akinrun by the state government,” the statement reads.

“It would be recalled that yesterday (Tuesday), the Commissioner of Police held another round of peace meeting with the contending parties on the need to allow peace to reign in Ikirun and the state in general.

“All the parties consented to maintain peace; but the Commissioner of Police is surprised to learn about the attack on security personnel, fire brigade personnel, and the burning of the Akirun of Ikirun Palace by armed hoodlums.

“The hoodlums shot two police officers and injured two fire service personnel.”

Opalola said the officers were at the palace to provide protection for those carrying out renovation work, and identified them as Obajobi Adedokun and Raji Abiodun, both police inspectors.

“The commissioner, therefore, charged parents and guardians to warn their wards to stop this uncivilised act of violence and toe the path of peace,” she added.

“He sternly warned that anyone found culpable in this unwarranted violence/attack will face the full wrath of the law.”