Two people have reportedly been killed as a dispute over the monarchy in Araromi-Owu, Ayedaade local government area of Osun State escalated into a crisis. The conflict, which had been simmering since last week, erupted into violence on Tuesday, with cars set ablaze by one of the aggrieved parties.
A local resident, Ismail Olaoye, revealed that mercenaries hired by the disgruntled group set fires on access roads to prevent security operatives from entering the town.
Reports indicate that some hoodlums ambushed a group of security personnel sent to the community, injuring several officers.
Another resident, speaking anonymously, claimed that five people had been killed in the conflict and that houses and cars were torched by the rampaging hoodlums, who argued that the monarch-designate was unqualified.
“The aggrieved group was claiming the throne, even though another person had already been appointed and was in seclusion. This led to violent protests for days, which eventually turned into a full-blown crisis,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, Osun police spokesperson SP Yemisi Opalola stated that mobile police units and a special police force have been deployed to restore peace in the town.
Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Security, Barrister Samuel Ojo, confirmed only two casualties, contradicting claims of five deaths. He noted that the crisis would have been more severe if not for government intervention over the past few days.
“We have been managing the situation for the past five days to prevent it from becoming more brutal. Only two people have been killed, not five, and all heads of security in the state are working to restore law and order in the community,” he added.
NGI 
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