Traditional Ruler attacked,  beaten during Jummat Service, Governor reacts

Traditional Ruler attacked,  beaten during Jummat Service, Governor reacts

In a disturbing incident on Friday, Oba Yusuf Jelili Olaiya, the Ajeniju of Halleluyah in the Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, was brutally attacked by a group of youths from the neighboring Ido-Osun community.

The assault reportedly stemmed from tensions over the recent appointment of Hammed Tijani as the Chief Imam of Halleluyah—a decision that has sparked significant controversy between Ido-Osun and Halleluyah communities.

The attack took place during the Jummat service when the newly appointed Imam attempted to lead prayers in the Halleluyah community. Sources reveal that the violent confrontation escalated quickly, with the monarch sustaining severe injuries after being physically assaulted. His palace was also vandalized during the chaos.

The injured Oba Olaiya was swiftly rushed to a government-owned hospital in Osogbo for urgent medical attention. A security source confirmed that the situation spiraled out of control, prompting the intervention of law enforcement agencies. The monarch was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation into the incident.

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to 2024, when the installation of Oba Olaiya by the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, triggered a bitter dispute between the Ido-Osun and Ede communities. This latest attack seems to be the culmination of rising tensions between the two groups, fueled by disagreements over religious leadership.

Reacting to the violence, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State condemned the attack in the strongest terms. Speaking through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the violent actions as unacceptable and directed the police to take swift action in apprehending those responsible. He also emphasized that security agencies would be deployed to maintain order in the affected areas.

Governor Adeleke further announced that he had personally spoken to the Ajeniju of Halleluyah, who is currently recovering from his injuries, and expressed his concerns for his well-being. The governor also instructed the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola, to take immediate steps to quell the unrest and restore peace in the area.

As the investigation continues, local authorities remain on high alert, and security forces have been dispatched to the region to prevent further violence. The ongoing conflict serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between religious and community leadership in Osun State.

According to the Governor, “resorting to violence to resolve communal disputes is unacceptable and those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.

“Aside from law enforcement, I have further directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde to commence immediate peace-building and conflict de-escalation in collaboration with the security agencies.

“Any community with grievances is free to approach relevant government agencies to table such for conflict resolution. We will not tolerate violence under whatever guise.”