Palace set ablaze in Osun amid dispute over choice of traditional ruler

The palace of the Aree of Iree in Boripe north local council development area of Osun state has been set ablaze.

The palace was burnt on Thursday evening.

The development comes amid crisis in the community over the choice of Ponle Ademola as the Aree of Iree.

The immediate past government of Gboyega Oyetola had, earlier in November, announced the appointment of Ademola as the Aree of Iree.

However, the council of elders in Iree had kicked against the appointment, adding that it did not follow existing traditional practice in the area.

Prior to the announcement, an Osun state high court, giving judgment in a suit filed by the aree-in-council, had restrained the government from appointing Ademola as the Aree of Iree.

Ademola Adeleke, who was sworn in as governor of Osun on Sunday, had, on Monday, reversed the appointment of three traditional rulers — including the Aree of Iree — adding that the appointments “are hereby put on hold pending review”.

Things, however, took a different turn on Thursday as the palace was set ablaze amid protests over the reported arrest of Soliu Atoyebi, the Aogun of Iree, by security agents.

Details of Atoyebi’s reported arrest are, however, not clear.

The fire at the palace on Thursday occurred around 7pm, but no casualty has been confirmed.

The incident led to the blockage of major roads leading to the town, while several persons also made bonfires on the roads.

Meanwhile, Yemisi Opalola, Osun police spokesperson, was not available for comment on the incident as her phone was switched off.