On Friday, August 9, 2024, a group of youths in the Ibule-Soro community of Ifedore Local Government Area reportedly attacked the female Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ilara-Mokin. The incident occurred as she attempted to prevent them from performing the traditional new yam festival rites, a role traditionally reserved for the community’s king.
Tensions arose when some local chiefs allegedly encouraged the youths to challenge the authority of Oba David Oluleke Ogunlade, the monarch of Ibule-Soro. These chiefs were said to be backing a contender who had lost in the kingship selection process that resulted in Oba Ogunlade’s ascension.
Oba Ogunlade revealed that he learned of plans by the dissenting chiefs and youths to bypass his authority by conducting the new yam festival rites themselves. He reached out to the youths, urging them not to violate the community’s traditions, emphasizing that the festival rites are customarily performed by the king, with the community joining in the celebration.
“When I got wind of their plan to undermine my authority, I immediately appealed to the youths,” Oba Ogunlade explained. “However, when my appeals were ignored, I had no choice but to report the matter to the DPO of Ilara-Mokin and later to the Ondo State Police Commissioner.”
The Police Commissioner reportedly appealed to the youths, explaining why they should not usurp the monarch’s traditional role. Initially, the youths agreed to desist from their plans and even signed an undertaking not to perform the festival rites. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs also issued a warning through the Ifedore Local Government Chairman, instructing the youths not to infringe on the monarch’s authority.
Despite these efforts, the youths proceeded with the festival rites, slicing the new yam and beating the traditional drums. When the Ilara-Mokin police arrived at the scene, the youths resorted to throwing stones, one of which struck and injured the female DPO.
“It was after they had started the festival that I called the DPO,” Oba Ogunlade recounted. “Unfortunately, she was stoned and injured. I also contacted the Area Commander, but the youths refused to listen.”
Following the incident, the youths vandalized the monarch’s palace and the homes of those perceived to support him, disrupting the peace of the previously tranquil community.
Oba Ogunlade named the chiefs who allegedly instigated the youths as Victoria Olayiwola, Abiodun Ogunlade, Ogo Benjamin Olabako, Oyabode Oluwatimilehin, Wale Adelegan, Ayo Olaiya, Adebo Bada, Chief Adewole, and Ojo Aloniwoye. The youths involved in the violence were identified as Omolara Dada, Jimoh Osadipe, Femi Osadipe, Dayo Osadipe, Omowunmi Ofobutu, Fadele Obenbe, Soji Ogunleye, Kehinde Adegboye, Olakunle Adelegan, Idowu Adelegan, Adegbite Osadipe, Tope Adekunle, and Ade Adekunle.
