A traditional chief in Osun State, identified as Chief Ajibade, has been arrested by the police for allegedly forcing a 25-year-old man to drink a poisonous substance after accusing him of stealing two pieces of corn from his farm.
The incident occurred in Ireti Ayo, a community in Ilesa, Osun State, sparking outrage among residents and leading to a tragic twist after the father of the victim reportedly died of shock upon hearing a false report that his son had died from the poisoning.
Spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, ASP Abiodun Ojelabi, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspect was apprehended in Ipetu Ijesa and has been transferred to the police headquarters in Osogbo for further investigation.
A short video obtained by PLATFORM TIMES shows the moment the suspect, later confirmed as Chief Ajibade, allegedly forced the young man, identified simply as Ebenezer, to ingest the poisonous mixture.
In the disturbing clip, Ebenezer is seen sitting on the ground beside two pieces of corn, while a man wielding a stick and another elderly man—believed to be Ajibade—loom over him.
The elderly man, holding a cutlass and a cup containing an unidentified substance, is seen coercing Ebenezer into drinking from the cup.
Eyewitnesses say the suspect accused Ebenezer of stealing from his maize farm and chose to take jungle justice into his hands.
Speaking under anonymity, a resident of Ireti Ayo disclosed that after the boy was forced to drink the toxic liquid, concerned neighbours rushed him to Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa, where doctors were able to stabilise him.
“But before the situation could be clarified,” the resident added, “someone informed the boy’s father that his son had died from poisoning. The man collapsed and died instantly from shock.”
In a telephone interview with PLATFORM TIMES, the police spokesperson said:
“The suspect, Chief Ajibade, aged 62, caught the boy on his farm and allegedly beat him before forcing him to drink a poisonous substance. Thankfully, people around intervened and took the boy to Wesley Guild Hospital where he was revived.
“However, misinformation led to the death of the boy’s father who was wrongly told that his son had died. The boy is alive and stable. We currently have the suspect in custody, and investigation is ongoing.”
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents condemning the chief’s action and calling for justice. Many have described the act as “barbaric” and a reminder of the dangers of jungle justice in modern society.
Human rights advocates have also called for the Osun State Government to intervene and ensure that those found guilty face the full weight of the law.
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