The Deputy Governor of Osun, Mr Benedict Alabi, has called on the people of Ikire in Irewole Local Government area of the state, to allow peace to reign in the town.
Alabi, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Olaniyi Ajibola, on Monday in Osogbo, decried the way the military personnel, who came to maintain peace during the recent crisis that engulfed the town, were attacked.
It was reported that irate mob had, on Oct. 26, attacked Oba Olatunde Falabi, the Akire of Ikire, chased him away and sealed off his palace.
The royal father, was, however, said to have been rescued and ferried into safety by military personnel.
The irate mob were said to have later engaged the military personnel in a free for all, during which a soldier was reportedly beaten into coma.
Two of their rifles were also reported to have been carted away, while their operational vehicle was set ablaze.
It was reported that the youths were protesting the non-implementation of a Supreme Court judgment, which declared Falabi’s continued stay on the throne as illegal.
The deputy governor, who hails from the town, however, expressed happiness that peace had finally returned to the town, following the intervention of Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola.
“We are happy that peace has finally returned to Ikire town and we want the two warring parties in the town to maintain absolute peace and decorum, in order not to heat up the polity.
“The people of Ikire are hereby enjoined to go about their lawful engagements without fear, as government is determined to protect their lives and property,” Alabi said.
The deputy governor said that government had replaced the burnt military operational vehicle with a new Hilux van, with a promise that the remaining items seized from the soldiers would also be recovered in earnest.
He commended the military authorities for what he called their rare understanding and cooperation.
