The Ajeniju of Halleluyah community in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Yusuf Jelili Olaiya was reportedly assaulted on Friday over a dispute concerning a Jummat service.
The incident arose after some youths from the neighboring Ido-Osun community allegedly attacked the monarch for appointing Hammed Tijani as the Chief Imam of Halleluyah community on their land.
The attack occurred when the newly installed Chief Imam attempted to lead a Jummat service, leading to violent clashes.
Oba Olaiya sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a government hospital in Osogbo for medical attention.
According to security sources, the violence escalated with the vandalization of the monarch’s palace. The injured traditional ruler was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
The root of the conflict dates back to 2024, when the Timi of Ede Land, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, installed the Ajeniju of Halleluyah, sparking tension between the Ido-Osun and Ede communities.
Governor Adeleke Condemns Violence, Orders Security Action
Reacting to the incident, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, condemned the attack and issued a strong warning to those involved. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Saturday, the governor directed security agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the violence.
Governor Adeleke also disclosed that he had spoken with the Ajeniju of Halleluyah, who is currently recovering. He further instructed the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola, to ensure the youth in his community cease hostilities.
“Resorting to violence to resolve communal disputes is unacceptable. Those responsible will face the full wrath of the law,” Adeleke stated.
The governor also directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde, to commence peace-building efforts in collaboration with security agencies to prevent further escalation.
He urged communities with grievances to channel their concerns through appropriate government channels, emphasizing that violence under any guise would not be tolerated.