Osun Monarch Beaten Over Controversial Appointment of Chief Imam

Osun Youths attack newly installed Oba in Egbedore LGA
The attack stemmed from widespread outrage over his controversial decision to appoint an Imam without community approval.
Security officials confirmed that the Oba has been sent to the State CID following the incident.

A violent clash erupted in the Hallelujah community of Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State, on Friday, as enraged youths attacked Oba Jelili Olaiya, the newly installed Ajeniju of Hallelujah.

The altercation stemmed from the monarch’s decision to appoint a Chief Imam in the disputed community, a move that was strongly opposed by residents and neighboring Ido-Osun community members.

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Oba Olaiya, who was installed by the Timi of Ede a few months ago, faced backlash after appointing Ahmad Tijjani as the Chief Imam of the Hallelujah community.

Tensions escalated when the monarch attempted to hold a Jumat prayer service at his palace. Agitated youths, allegedly from Ido-Osun, stormed the venue, claiming the monarch lacked the authority to appoint a religious leader in a disputed territory.

The angry mob assaulted the monarch, leaving him with severe injuries, and vandalized his palace. According to eyewitnesses, the altercation only subsided after the intervention of security operatives who rescued the monarch.

A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed, “The situation became chaotic, resulting in significant damage to the palace. The monarch sustained serious injuries and was taken to the State CID for investigation and safety.”

Another source revealed that Oba Olaiya was later moved to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for medical treatment.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security, Hon. Samuel Ojo, stated that he would withhold comments until the ongoing investigation into the matter is concluded.

This clash highlights lingering tensions over land ownership and community leadership disputes in the area, with authorities urging calm while investigations proceed.