Disquiet In Oyo, As Olubadan, Others, Escape Death
Gunmen suspected to be assassins on Monday stormed the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, shooting sporadically to disrupt the installation of new family heads (Mogaji) by the monarch.
It was learnt that the installation of the family heads which was slated for the monarch’s palace, Popoyemoja area was disrupted by the shooting.
The former secretary to the state government and the Asiwaju Balogun Olubadan, Chief Sharafadeen Alli was said to have escaped death by the whiskers.
His Toyota Land Cruiser SUV was shot at severally by the suspected assassins.
Also, three journalists, Demi Atoyebi (Punch), Jeremiah One (Daily Trust) and Demola Babalola, who were at the scene of the incident, were said to have escaped death by promptly running for their safety.
The suspects were said to have invaded the monarch’s palace during an official event being hosted by the monarch.
During the invasion, Alli, former Chairman of Odu’a Investments Company and the two journalists were said to have escaped being killed.
In a swift reaction, a member of the media group, Yanju Adegbite, said that the suspects were just passing through the area.
According to him, they did not disrupt the installation of the new family by the Olubadan.
The journalists and their colleagues had gone to the palace to cover the installation of some Baales by the Olubadan when they had a close shave with death.
Although the identity of the gunmen has not been ascertained, it was gathered that the gunmen who were in a black Toyota siena car, attacked the palace at about 11.45am allegedly to prevent the installation by the Olubadan.
The three journalists were just arriving at the gate of the palace when they were caught in the gunfire, but escaped being shot at by taking refuge in the gutter in front of the palace.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has condemned the attack on the palace, describing it as an act of brigandage.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, in a statement, said that the attack during a ceremony at the palace of the Olubadan should be condemned in its entirety and has directed security agencies to ensure that the masterminds are swiftly arrested, interrogated and brought to justice.
The governor has vowed not to brook anyone or group of people desirous of bringing back the regime of violence and brigandage to the state.
He reiterated his commitment to the security and protection of lives and property of all citizens of Oyo State, which he has laboured hard to restore and maintain in the last six years.
It was however learnt that the attack did not prevent the installation of the new Baales by the Olubadan.
Those installed are Chief Saheed Adeyemi Alatise, who was installed as Baale Lagelu Aboke Village and Chief Taye Makinde Aikomo, who emerged as Baale Adigun Village.
Present at the event are former Governor of the state and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Iyalode of Ibadanland Chief Aminat Abiodun.