Scores injured as Alaafin son’s loyalists, Oyo lawmaker clash

Some people were injured, yesterday, in Oyo town when supporters believed to be sympathetic to Mr. Akeem Adeyemi, son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and a lawmaker representing Oyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Khamil Akinlabi clashed.

During the period that the fracas lasted, dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, bottles and other items were said to have been freely used by the feuding parties.

The crisis, according to a source, was triggered when a group of people, last Friday, marched to the palace of Oba Adeyemi allegedly pleading with the monarch for the recall of Akinlabi whom they accused of not making any remarkable improvement in the lives of the people in his constituency since he assumed the seat in 2011.

Instead of the lawmaker, they clamoured for Prince Adeyemi to assume the seat in the National Assembly.

But, a counter protest was staged, yesterday, in Oyo with loyalists of Akinlabi from Oyo-East, Oyo-West, Afijio and Atiba local governments, faulting the earlier allegations against the legislator.

They displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Stop politics of bitterness”, “Kamil, man of the people”, ‘Kamil, hero of our time’ and went through major streets in Isale Oyo.

Leader of the Akinlabi’s group, Mr. Waheed Ajagbe said it was not fair to say the lawmaker had not done anything, noting that “about 175 boreholes were provided by the lawmaker across his constituency.

“He has distributed 16 vehicles to party leaders and Oyo Mesi (kingmakers). Akinlabi has also facilitated the construction of Erelu water project.

“In the area of education, he has facilitated the rehabilitation of Olivet Baptist High School, Isale-Oyo Community Grammar School, distributed textbooks and notebooks for pupils at Primary School level.”

He alleged that “of the 10 political appointments given to Oyo, six are being occupied by the sons and wives of the monarch. Are we going to fold our arms and watch people who want to help us being frustrated selfish reason?”

The protest had been peaceful until some people from the other group allegedly  stormed the venue and chased them away.

Armed mobile  police men from Durbar division reportedly arrived the scene with Armoured Personnel Carrier to quell the riot.

When asked to comment on the issue, the police said it would find out.