Following a protracted kingship tussle in Ikenne town in Ogun State, six persons have been arrested for causing mayhem in the ancient town.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the case is presently a subject of litigation in a court.
Speaking on the arrest in a statement on Saturday, March 6, 2021, the police image-maker in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said that crisis broke out in the town on Friday, March 5, when the reigning king, Oba Onakade, decided to celebrate a traditional festival known as ‘Jabajaba.’
Towards this, a town crier was sent round the community for the preparatory rites.
However, this did not go down well with the opposing side, which allegedly attacked the town crier and seized the gong, the PPRO disclosed.
“They also accused the Oba of trying to forcefully fence off a piece of land where traditional rites are performed in the town.
“This led to a fracas between the two parties, following which the two sides suffered some injuries, while some homes were damaged,” he added.
Oyeyemi stated further that policemen, led by the Area Commander of Sagamu, were quickly deployed to the area, bringing the situation under control.
The PPRO said that the fracas prompted the state Commissioner of Police, Edward Awolowo Ajogun, to move to the town for an on- the-spot assessment and peace talk.
“The Commissioner of Police, who met separately with the two opposing sides, warned them to eschew violence and follow the due process of the law to resolve their differences.
But in defiance of the law enforcement agents, while Ajogun and his entourage were still on the peace mission within the town, information was received that some people, suspected to be hired thugs and Agbekoyas, popular Yoruba hunters’ group, were shooting sporadically.
They were said to be retaliating on their property allegedly damaged, and, in the process, injured about four people.
This made the state police boss to order that the offenders should be chased and brought to book.
The identified persons were Olasunkanmi Enigbokan, Oluwashina Kafisanwo, Olusegun Odukoya, Lawal Adebayo, Suraju Animashun and Qudus Mabadeje.
“They were arrested with dangerous weapons and assorted charms, and had confessed to the offence, Oyeyemi stated.
He said that the injured persons had been taken to the hospital and were responding positively to treatment.
He also said that contrary rumours being peddled, no death was recorded during the fracas.
“The CP has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation and prosecution.
He further warned that anybody caught with offensive weapons or attempting to harm any person or destroy any property would be dealt with
.
The PPRO said that peace was gradually returning to the town, as more policemen had been deployed to beef up security.
