The Ibule Soro community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State is currently engulfed in tension following a clash between the town’s traditional ruler, Oba David Oluleke Ogunlade, and some of his subjects over the celebration of the New Yam festival.
The conflict reportedly centers on a disagreement regarding the festival’s date. While some Chiefs had scheduled the celebration for August 9th and 10th, Oba Ogunlade set a different date, leading to a standoff.
The situation took a turn for the worse on Friday when the Chiefs proceeded with the celebration against the Monarch’s directive.
In response, Oba Ogunlade reportedly summoned police officers to the community. The presence of law enforcement escalated the situation, with reports indicating that officers fired tear gas and shots into the air as the gathering became increasingly unruly.
Further aggravating the crisis was an incident where a stone, allegedly thrown by one of the protestors, struck and injured the Divisional Police Officer on duty. This incident led to a more aggressive response from the police.
As a result of the clash, over 50 people have been arrested, with the situation remaining tense in the community.
The disagreement over the festival’s date has highlighted underlying tensions between the Monarch and some of his subjects, raising concerns about future unrest if the issues are not resolved.