Tension has gripped Egbedi community in Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State, after gunmen invaded the town, leaving six people injured in what appears to be a land and chieftaincy dispute.
Armed Hoodlums Storm Community, Attack Residents
According to reports, the violence began on Wednesday, February 27, 2025, when armed men attacked a chief and two princes of the community for questioning the presence of strange individuals in the area.
The attackers, wielding cutlasses and firearms, descended on Chief Ajiroba, Yisa Abayomi, and Prince Abioye, forcing them to flee to a police station for safety before being taken to the hospital.
The following day, Thursday, February 28, the hoodlums returned with guns, opening fire in different directions near the Elegbedi Palace, leaving six people critically injured.
Traditional Ruler Alleges Political Backing
Speaking on the attack, the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, alleged that the gunmen were acting on the orders of Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Lawal, in a bid to install a rival monarch on contested land.
“The land they are trying to install a monarch on is already a subject of litigation in court, yet instead of waiting for a legal resolution, they resorted to attacking my people,” he lamented.
He also accused a man identified as Oriade Kazeem, an alleged aide of Governor Ademola Adeleke, of leading the attackers from Ede while boasting about having government backing.
Timi of Ede’s Palace Denies Involvement
In response, a statement from the Timi of Ede’s media office denied any involvement in the Egbedi crisis, stating that the dispute was between the Iloba family and Egbedi community, not the people of Ede.
Meanwhile, the injured victims remain hospitalized, as the community calls on the Nigerian government and security agencies to intervene and ensure justice.
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