Daud Olatunji
Tensions escalated in Ikenne, Ogun State, as a clash erupted between local youths and security operatives over the celebration of the Oro festival.
The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals and the impounding of two vehicles, according to the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu.
The conflict arose from a ban on this year’s Oro festival, imposed by the Ikenne Local Government Area.
The decision was reportedly made to prevent a potential breach of peace amidst an ongoing royal dispute.
The Oro festival has been a point of contention in the community due to its association with the longstanding Obaship crisis.
Discontented with the ban, youths from the community took to the streets, setting up bonfires at strategic locations in protest.
The situation quickly escalated as security forces, tasked with maintaining order, clashed with the protesters. Sporadic gunshots were reported, heightening the tension in the area.
Alamutu provided insight into the incident, attributing the unrest to the simmering discontent over a recent court ruling.
“It is a fallout of the longstanding Obaship crisis in the town. Recently, the court dismissed the one currently on the throne, but the judgement had been appealed,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the local government’s decision to halt the festival.
“Based on the tense atmosphere, the local government, which is the consenting authority for the festival, decided that it should not be celebrated to prevent any breach of peace.
“We did the same thing last year, but some youths, who are being misguided, decided they must have their way.
“We have arrested 20 of them, impounded two vehicles and everyone will soon be brought to the state command at Eleweran, Abeokuta to answer for their misdeeds,” Alamutu said.
The police chief confirmed that those arrested would be taken to the state command in Eleweran, Abeokuta, to answer for their actions.
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