Angry youths chase out monarch from palace

Angry youths Friday chased out the Apeju of  Ilupeju Ekiti, in Oye Local Government, Oba Olaleye Oniyelu over the installation of third in command to the monarch of the town otherwise known as Olugbosun.

During the protest which began at about 9 am yesterday ,five houses were burnt, while the palace of the monarch was badly vandalized.

Oba Oniyelu was said to have installed his candidate,one Ojo Isreal against Aseperi Amos aka Omekunlaye about six days ago only to do the final rites on the seventh day of the installation.

Trouble was said to have started when youths of the town   warned the monarch to halt all actions over the installation. Mr Ojo Israel,who is said to be  a more popular choice of the majority of the people as his third in command.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler was said to have ignored the advice of the youths and went on to install his candidate about six days ago.

In a bid to register their grievances, the youths and others who have opposed the choice of the monarch mobilized themselves and installed their own candidate, Mr Aseperi in front of the palace

In the ensue melee, the two parties confronted themselves with dangerous weapons like guns, cutlasses as well as  charms.

In the process,a student leader in the town,Tayo Fatile was hit with gun’s butt by the police

Reacting to the incidence,Oba Oniyelu absorbed himself from any blame over the installation of Mr Ojo,saying the installation of the vacant chieftaincy title was long over due,having being vacant since three years ago

The traditional ruler ,however dispelled the rumour of his alleged vacation from the palace as untrue

The Public Relations Officer of the state police command,Mr Victor Babayemi confirmed the incident

The police image maker said it was the timely  intervention of the police that had saved the situation that could have degenerated into a full scale crisis

He further disclosed that his men had arrested no fewer than 22 people in connection with the crisis


Vanguard