Governor Adeleke Condemns Youth Violence, Orders Investigation into Osun Palace Attack

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the violent attack on the Ajeniju of Hallelujah, Oba Jelili Olaiya, and the subsequent destruction of his palace by some youths. The governor issued a stern warning on Saturday, emphasizing that such acts of lawlessness would not be tolerated.

In the wake of the attack, Governor Adeleke directed security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence. The incident occurred on Friday after youths from Ido Osun staged a violent protest over the installation of an Imam by the monarch. Oba Olaiya had appointed a Chief Imam for his community in December 2024, which angered some youths who felt that the installation should not take place in the area under Ido Osun’s jurisdiction.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the protest, initially peaceful, escalated into violence, with parts of the palace being vandalized and the monarch sustaining injuries. The protesting youths from Ido Osun were reportedly opposed to the Imam’s installation, leading to heightened tensions and the subsequent attack.

Images from the scene of the protest showed the aftermath of the destruction, including broken plastic chairs scattered within the palace.

Governor Adeleke, reacting to the incident in a statement issued by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, expressed his disapproval of the violence and called on the security forces to restore order. He directed the Commissioner of Police to secure the troubled area and arrest the ringleaders behind the violent actions.

The governor also instructed the Olojudo of Ido Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde, to intervene and rein in the unruly youths while law enforcement operations continue. “Resorting to violence to resolve communal disputes is unacceptable,” Adeleke warned, adding that anyone found responsible would face the full force of the law.

In addition to law enforcement efforts, the governor tasked the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde, with initiating peace-building and conflict resolution processes in collaboration with the security agencies. Governor Adeleke urged communities with grievances to approach the appropriate government bodies for resolution, stressing that violence in any form would not be tolerated.