Tension In Osun As Gunmen Kill Ajagungbade Emir, Adeleke Orders Arrests

Tension has returned to parts of Osun State following the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Ajagungbade Emir, in Ile-Ife.

Oyeyemi reportedly came under attack on Sunday at Mayfair Garage during a dispute over control of a motor park. Reports identified the attackers as suspected hoodlums, while details of the confrontation remained unclear.

The killing quickly raised fears of renewed violence in Ile-Ife, where disputes over motor park control have triggered clashes in recent months.

Governor Ademola Adeleke responded by ordering the immediate arrest of everyone linked to the killing. He also directed security agencies to restore normalcy in Ile-Ife and other affected areas.

A statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the governor had ordered rival groups to leave the motor parks immediately.

Adeleke also directed the immediate introduction of a Park Management System for motor parks and garages across the state.

He charged the Commissioner of Police to act swiftly and ensure that anyone connected with the killing faces prosecution.

“Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book,” Adeleke said.

The governor further instructed security agencies to prevent a further breakdown of law and order in the affected areas.

He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that his administration would restore peace across the affected parks and communities.

The latest incident that involved Oyeyemi comes against the backdrop of a series of violent incidents linked to political and motor park disputes in Osun.

In July, gunmen attacked a motor park around Mayfair in Ile-Ife, with reports of sporadic shooting forcing motorists, passengers and traders to flee. Police later said they had restored normalcy in the area.

The state government had also raised concerns over attempts by rival groups to take control of motor parks. In August, the government said violence at a motor park area in Ikire left people dead and injured.

The Ikire violence prompted Adeleke to establish a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry. The panel received a mandate to investigate the killings, identify those responsible and recommend appropriate action.

Earlier in June, the Inspector-General of Police ordered an immediate end to political killings and violence in Osun. Police authorities also promised to investigate murders and prosecute anyone found culpable.

It was also reported in July that a factional crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers had heightened tension around motor parks in Osun.

Adeleke said his latest directive would provide a structured system for managing parks and garages and reduce the disputes surrounding their control.

“We are reintroducing the Park Management System. I will soon issue an executive order to give effect to the new management system to manage parks and garages across the state,” he said.

The governor called on residents to remain vigilant and peaceful as security agencies work to prevent further violence.