THE Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Alamutu, has assured that the Command would stop at nothing to apprehend those responsible for the mayhem in Ikenne, the hometown of the late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and the former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, January 12.
Mayhem was unleashed on town over the traditional stool between supporters of the Alakenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade, and Prince Yomi Odeneye, a rival claimant to the throne.
Alamutu, while confirming the incident, said the culprits would be made to face the full weight of the law and justice, adding that a detachment of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and conventional Police had been deployed to restore order in the sleepy town.
The tussle for the obaship took a tragic turn when suspected supporters of Oba Onakade and Odeneye clashed, resulting in the death of one Adetayo Odumosu, a 59-year-old male, said to be a supporter of the monarch
Odumosu, popularly known as Aare, reportedly collapsed and died from shock during the chaos, furthering aggravating the already tense situation.
Sources in the town explained our that the violence left several persons injured, adding that Odumosu death was due to the fear and panic occasioned by the attack.
The sources claimed that the arrest of Odeneye, who had ignored previous summons, by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) trigger the latest clash.
His supporters allegedly attacked suspected backers of the monarch, including notable indigenes of the community.
Alamutu, while acknowledging the long-standing Obaship dispute as the root of the violence, clarified that Odumosu was not directly attacked and may have died from a health issue exacerbated by the chaos.
He added that efforts to mediate in the dispute and reach a peaceful and acceptable settlement by all parties involved is crucial to prevent further tragedy and ensure lasting stability in Ikenne.
