Metro

Osun Monarch’s Burial Rites Turn Bloody

Published

5 months ago

December 1, 2025

Controversies over the burial rites for the 30th Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, turned bloody on Monday as people opposed to observance of passage rites for him clashed with those that wanted honour befitting a royal father for the deceased.

In the fracas that occurred inside Iloro Market in Igbajo, on Monday, one man identified simply as Ifa was injured, while two other people reportedly sustained bruises.

The state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, had on Monday imposed a 24-hour curfew on Igbajo, amid protest, over Famodun’s death.

According to The PUNCH, a statement signed by Prince Adekunle Famodun on behalf of the family said Famodun “passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a brief illness,” at the age of 67.

“As you may recall, Oba Adegboyega Famodun was installed and presented with the staff of office on November 24, 2022, by the former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.

“Although his position was disputed by a white paper issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State High Court reinstated him on January 30, 2025,” the statement read partly.

Before his appointment and installation as monarch, Oba Famodun had served as the Osun State chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

The PUNCH also reported on March 12, 2024, that Osun State Government approved the appointment of Prince Ademola Makinde as the new Owa of Igbajo, replacing Famodun.

But violent clashes erupted in the town when those believed to be loyal to late Famodun demanded that Iloro Market be shut in his honour.

But those opposed to the move, reportedly resisted the attempt to force some traders that opened for business to close shop.

In some of the video footages of the protest shared by a Facebook user, Taiwo Olaore, on Monday, unrest was observed in a market place, with some people demanding that the traders that opened for business, should shut down, as a mark of respect for the deceased.

Also, in the video, some women in white attire, bearing leave, rebuked the traders that opened for business and asked them to immediately close, and mourn the late Famodun.

Speaking further on the crises, a resident of Igbajo, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter, said “they wanted to do burial rite for Oba Famodun but another set of people insisted that the late monarch was a prince and not a king.

“In order to perform the rite, the Iloro market must be shut for three market days.

It was in the process of closing the market that the group opposed to the move mobilised to the market and insisted that they must close it.

“Three people were injured during the clash that occurred at the market. One of them is known as Ifa. His pictures with blood stained clothes circulated on the social media. The market was later shut,” he said.

Asked if the burial rites were being observed despite the curfew imposed by the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, he said “The burial rites are ongoing. Although people didn’t come out after the governor declared a curfew but those performing the rites carried on with their duties alongside supporters of the late monarch.”

He also said there was massive deployment of security personnel to the town to prevent breakdown of law and order.

Contacted for update on the security situation in Igbajo, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said one person was injured in the fracas that occurred in the town early on Monday, noting that normalcy has returned to the community.

“Our personnel are on the ground, but as of this morning when I communicated, no arrest has been made. Igbajo community is now peaceful. One person got injured during the clash,” Ojelabi said.

Metro

16 Passengers Lose Lives In Lokoja–Okene Highway Tragedy

Published

7 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

At least 16 persons have been confirmed dead following a fatal road accident along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.

In a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, he said the tragic incident occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday near Aku village around the Osara axis of the busy highway.

Security and traffic safety sources told Zagazola Makama that the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD carrying 22 passengers from Jos, Plateau State, to Lagos.

“Security and traffic safety sources said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD, conveying 22 passengers comprising 21 males and one female from Jos, Plateau State, en route to Lagos,” Makama said.

According to the sources, the vehicle reportedly lost control while moving at high speed, veered off the road and plunged under a bridge, leading to multiple casualties.

Preliminary findings attributed the accident to driver fatigue.

The sources disclosed that 16 occupants of the vehicle, including 15 men and one woman, lost their lives in the crash, while six other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Emergency responders were said to have arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call and immediately evacuated the injured victims to medical facilities in Osara and the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja for treatment.

The remains of the deceased victims were deposited at the Ankuri Mortuary in Lokoja.

Authorities, meanwhile, advised motorists to obey speed limits, ensure adequate rest during long-distance trips and strictly comply with road safety regulations to avoid preventable accidents and loss of life.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

3 days ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

5 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.