The seeming peace in Osun State following the August 15 governorship election was shattered on Sunday after gunmen reportedly killed Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.
Oyeyemi, identified as an appointee of Governor Ademola Adeleke, was reportedly shot dead around 10am during a gun duel that erupted around motor parks in the Mayfair, Sabo and Lagere areas of Ile-Ife.
According to an eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent, Oyeyemi and his loyalists were involved in an alleged attempt to take control of the Mayfair motor park when the confrontation turned deadly.a
The violence subsequently spread to motor parks in Sabo and Lagere, with residents, shop owners and passers-by fleeing the affected areas as sporadic gunshots reportedly rang out for more than 20 minutes.
A video seen by Chronicle NG showed Oyeyemi wearing a hooded cardigan and covered in blood, with his body reportedly placed inside a vehicle.
Adeleke orders investigation
Reacting to the killing, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, to launch a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are arrested.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke also expressed concern over the leadership crisis among factions of transport unions in the state.
The governor ordered the immediate vacation of motor parks by warring groups and directed the establishment of a Park Management System with immediate effect.
He also called for calm while directing security agencies to restore normalcy in the affected motor parks and maintain law and order across the state.
The statement quoted Adeleke as saying: “Governor Ademola Adeleke promised to issue an Executive Order for the establishment of a park management system to restore discipline and orderliness across motor parks in the state.
“He charged the Commissioner of Police to act immediately to arrest all those involved. Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book.
“We call on members of the public to remain calm. We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas. The security agencies are under instruction to ensure the sustainability of peace at all cost.
“We are reintroducing the Park Management System. I will soon issue an executive order to give effect to the new management system to manage parks and garages across the state.”
