Ikenne Community In Ogun Boils As Police, Youths Boil Over Oro Festival
The disagreements led to youths of the community storming streets and setting up bonfires at strategic locations in protest against a ban on this year’s Oro festival.
There was palpable tension in Ogun State on Saturday as there was disagreement over the conduct of the Oro festival in Ikenne.
Some youths and security operatives in the community clashed over Oro festival.
The disagreements led to youths of the community storming streets and setting up bonfires at strategic locations in protest against a ban on this year’s Oro festival.
Reports also had it that the ban by the local government area, which is the consenting authority, followed the tension building in the community over royal battle.
Some youths protested against the move, leading to clash with some security operatives monitoring compliance within Ikenne which is also the headquarters of the Ikenne Local Government Area.
There were sporadic gunshots due to the incident even as security agents arrested youths involved in the impasse.
The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, confirmed the incident and disclosed that 20 suspects were arrested while two vehicles were impounded.
“We are very much aware of the situation, it is a fallout of the longstanding Obaship crisis in the town and recently, the court dismissed the one currently on the throne but the judgment had been appealed.
“So, based on the tensed atmosphere, the local government which is the consenting authority for the festival said that it should not be celebrated so that it won’t lead to any breach of peace. We did same thing last year but some youths who are being misguided decided they must have their way.
“We have arrested 20 of them, impounded two vehicles and everyone will soon be brought to the state command at Eleweran, Abeokuta to answer for their misdeeds,” Alamutu said.
