Osun Park Leadership Clash Leaves One Dead, Adeleke Orders Arrests

A chieftain of the Accord Party in Osun State, Olalekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir, has been shot dead during a clash over the leadership and control of a motor park in Ile-Ife.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday during a confrontation involving rival groups seeking control of activities at the park.

Ajagungbade was said to have been caught up in the violence and sustained gunshot injuries. He was reportedly taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The development has heightened tension in the ancient city and renewed concerns over violence linked to disputes surrounding the management of motor parks in Osun State.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered security agencies to identify and arrest all those involved in the killing and bring them to justice.

The governor also directed that rival groups involved in the dispute should vacate the affected parks as part of measures to prevent further violence.

Adeleke ordered the immediate implementation of a new Park Management System to restore order and ensure that motor parks across the state are not controlled through violence or intimidation.

The governor condemned the killing and warned individuals and groups against taking the law into their own hands.

The latest incident comes against the background of previous violent confrontations over control of motor parks in Osun.

In July, Adeleke directed the police and other security agencies to suspend all activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in motor parks across the state. Security agencies were also instructed to arrest anyone who violated the directive.

The state government has repeatedly expressed concern over violence and alleged political interference in disputes involving transport unions.

The latest killing is expected to increase pressure on security agencies to prevent rival groups from using motor parks as centres for violent confrontations.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ajagungbade’s death, identify those responsible and determine whether the incident was connected to the wider dispute over control of the park.

The governor urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their investigations, assuring the public that those responsible would face the consequences of their actions.