One person has reportedly died in the crisis in Ugbo community at Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, over the Olugbo of Ugbo stool.
Property estimated at millions of naira were said to have been destroyed.
It was learnt that buildings, vehicles, boats and other valuables were set ablaze during the clash between supporters of the Olugbo, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, and the former occupant of the stool, Adebanjo Mafimisebi.
A middle-aged woman, Bidemi Mafimisebi, and others were reportedly injured in the clash, which lasted several hours.
It was learnt that Mafimisebi, who was removed by the Supreme Court on January 12, after occupying the throne for 25 years, was allegedly scheming to return to the throne.
After Mafimisebi’s removal, the Ojadele Ruling House, headed by Prince Robert Nana, unanimously selected and presented Akinruntan as the candidate for the vacant stool on November 4, 2008.
An indigene of the community, who spoke in confidence, said: “Till date, Prince Mafimisebi does not really see Oba Akinruntan as a king. Mafimisebi believes he was unjustly dethroned.
“Since this new government came on board, Prince Mafimisebi has been warming his way to use the instrument of government and get back to the throne.”
It was learnt that the development irked Akinruntan’s supporters, forcing them to burn property belonging to Mafimisebi’s loyalists.
Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, who led a government team to the community, said the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration had met with the warring sides to resolve the crisis.
Ajayi said a good step had also been taken to ensure that such a crisis did not recur.
He urged youths in the area to sheathe their swords for peace to reign.
Ajayi assured them that the government will always protect their lives and property.
Police spokesman Femi Joseph, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the command was not aware of the development last night.
He said since the clash was a traditional matter, the police would allow the parties to settle their differences internally or seek judicial intervention.
Joseph said: “The police will not dabble in chieftaincy-related issues. But if we notice the situation is getting out of hand, we will come in.”
Logging you in...
