CLASH OVER BURIAL RITES OF IGBAJO MONARCH TURNS VIOLENT AS ADELEKE IMPOSES 24-HOUR CURFEW

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Tensions flared in Igbajo, Osun State, on Monday as disputes over burial rites for the 30th Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, degenerated into violent clashes, leaving at least one person injured and prompting a 24-hour curfew imposed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The crisis erupted at Iloro Market, where factions disagreed over whether the market should be shut to honour the late monarch. Eyewitnesses said supporters seeking full traditional passage rites attempted to enforce the closure, while opposing groups resisted, insisting Famodun was a “prince and not a king,” and thus not entitled to such rites.

A man identified as Ifa sustained injuries in the fracas, while two others reportedly suffered bruises. Photos of Ifa with blood-stained clothing circulated widely on social media.

The late Oba Famodun, aged 67, died on Friday, November 28, after a brief illness, according to a statement issued by Prince Adekunle Famodun. His reign was marked by legal and political disputes, having been installed in November 2022 under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola but later removed by a white paper issued by Governor Adeleke. He was reinstated by an Osun High Court judgment on January 30, 2025.

Before ascending the throne, Famodun served as chairman of the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The state government had earlier approved Prince Ademola Makinde as his successor in March 2024.

Videos shared online by resident Taiwo Olaore showed women dressed in white, wielding leaves, and ordering traders to shut their shops as a mark of respect. Others resisted, leading to the violent confrontation that escalated Monday morning.

A resident who spoke anonymously revealed that the burial rites require closure of Iloro Market for three market days. “Those opposed mobilised and resisted the move. That was what led to the clash,” he said.

Despite the curfew, the resident confirmed that rites were ongoing “quietly” among supporters of the late monarch, with heavy security presence deployed to maintain calm.

Osun Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that one person was injured during the unrest but said no arrests had been made.

“Igbajo community is now peaceful. Our men are on ground,” he stated.

Governor Adeleke announced an immediate 24-hour curfew, citing a “continued breach of law and order” linked to the monarch’s death. The directive was contained in a statement by Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi.

“As Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I hereby declare a total lockdown of the town pending the return to orderliness,” the governor said, warning that anyone attempting to worsen the crisis would face the full weight of the law.

A combined team of the Army, Police, DSS and NSCDC has been deployed for round-the-clock surveillance in the town.

Tensions remain high as residents await further directives from state authorities.