There was panic and pandemonium in Ilawo community area of Abeokuta in Ogun State following an invasion by hoodlums who were armed with dangerous objects.
The hoodlums reportedly stormed the community to attack residents who were against the installation of the next monarch of Orile-Ilawo community.
It was gathered that the attack is coming barely few days after some aggrieved residents of the community kicked against the declaration of Alex McGregor as the Oba-elect of the Orile-Ilawo.
The residents had stormed the palace of the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Osile of Oke Ona , the Ogun state Governor’s office, and other notable places in the state to protest against the choice of McGregor as the Oba-elect of Ilawo, describing it as an imposition.
It was however gathered that many of the aggrieved residents were attacked by the hoodlums including some chiefs of the community.
Different videos obtained showed that no fewer than five person were matcheted during the attacks.
The videos show how some victims were in the pool of blood, as onlooker try to give them needed attention.
It was learnt that the injured victims are presently at a private hospital around the community receiving major treatment.
One of the chiefs identified as Olaogun Banji said he was attacked and narrowly escaped death.
He said, “it was the head of the council of chiefs, Oluwo that called me. I was about entering my car when the hoodlums attacked me. They were plenty, and they said my offence was because I did not and not supporting McGregor as the next king of Ilawo.
“It was some residents in the area that helped me, I and many others hid in their building for more than three hours before police came to rescue us all”
“I did not support McGregor because he is not from Orile-Ilawo where the crown belongs and he does not deserve the throne.”
“After the attack, I wrote a petition and it was approved yesterday. The police were able to arrest some of those that attacked me. The leader of the group is known as Fatai Balogun.”
The Oluwo of Ilawo, Chief Oluwole Dosummu who doubles as the head of council of chiefs in the community, confirmed the attack.
The Oluwo noted that some of the hoodlums have been arrested and handed over to the security operatives.
He said, “I am aware of the attack, I learnt they threatened to come and destroy my house, burn it all down but I did not see them because they must have learnt police patrol teams were already around”.
“I told those that came with injuries to report the case to the police which they did. Some of the hoodlums were arrested yesterday.
“It was really a bad day for the people of Ilawo because many residents were attacked. Those that were injured are presently at the hospital and those caught premised their act as working for Chief Macgregor.
“There is obaship tussle in Ilawo, but I don’t expect such crisis to lead to hoodlums attacking people and matcheting them like they did on Saturday. It is really pathetic!.”
“The Ilawo people have been subjected to variegated levels of abuse by a singular family who perhaps believe they own the people. This one family have maimed multiple members of the Ilawo clan on more than one occasion. Sadly, these dastardly acts have all gone unpunished.”
“Good enough, some of these men have been apprehended for a start, but for how long will this be and the powers in high places start machiavellian moves to disallow justice its true course and the actor in the person of Alex McGregor brought to book”.
Another resident, Mr Femi Adejare recanted” We have seen their transgenerational violence on us backed by impunity possibly because of a backing of wealth. We may indeed be common people in Orile ILAWO but our happiness is still ours. We do not want you Alex McGregor to rule us and you must pay for this wickedness. We will toil and bleed till it comes to pass.”
