By Banji Ayoola
Gunmen have killed a first class traditional ruler in Ondo State, the Olufon of Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area, Oba Israel Adeusi.
He was returning to his domain from Akure the state capital, from the monthly meeting of the state Council of Obas, when he was attacked at Elegbeka, along the Akure-Benin highway, few kilometres to Ifon, the headquarters of the local government.
The gunmen who had hid in the bush along the highway, reportedly sprayed his car with bullets, some of which hit him, and shot sporadically in the air to scare away any challengers and clear their path of escape.
Also, another source reportedly said that the hoodlums had flagged down the monarch’s vehicle on the highway, but the driver, who suspected foul play, attempted to escape, prompting the gunmen to shoot severally at the vehicle.
A bleeding Oba Adeusi was said to have been rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, hospital where he passed on.
Perplexed, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had rushed to the town once the security report of the monarch’s murder got to him.
He had reportedly led other top government officials and top security chiefs to the town last night.
Police spokesman in the state, Mr. Tee-Leo Ikoro, who reportedly confirmed the incident according to Vanguard, said that policemen have been deployed to Ifon to fish out the killers.
The incident occurred few hours following the departure of Police Inspector General Adamu Muhammed, who had been on an official visit to the state, throwing Ifon into confusion and mourning.
At the FMC, the medical team reportedly battled to save the monarch’s life but their frantic effort was said to be unsuccessful.
Once the news filtered in, sympathisers have started thronging Ifon town to confirm the development which took many by surprise.
It was learnt that Akeredolu rushed to the FMC at about 7.40pm to confirm the story and to also commiserate with the family of the monarch.
The murder occurred few days after three children of a family were kidnapped and released by the hoodlums at Elegbeka having reportedly paid N5 million ransom.
A statement by the commissioner for information , Donald Ojogo condemned the murder.
He said that Akeredolu along with some government functionaries had visited the Ifon Community to commiserate with the people over the loss.
The governor has also directed that security agencies, especially the Police to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Also, monarchs in Akoko Area Of the state have described the monarch’s gruesome killing as a crime against the traditional institution.
They called for a total overhaul of the state’s security apparatus to check incessant kidnappings and killings.
Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, Oba Adebori Adeleye of Okaland said killing a traditional ruler was abominable and urged security agents to fish out the killers of Oba Adeusi.
Oba Adeleye who was at the council of Obas meeting from which the late Olufon was returning before his untimely death commiserated with the people of ifon.
The monarch described Oba Adeusi as easygoing and highly intelligent.
Also, the Oluwo of Iwo, in Osun State has condemned the murder as abomination.
The royal father, in a statement on Friday, called for proper investigation from the Police.
He described the killing of the late Oba as a security threat to the traditional institution.
He also said that the late king, who was murdered, is considered as a great asset to the traditional institution.
He urged the Police to find the perpetrators of this crime in order to curb this act before it becomes a normal thing.
“While I commiserate with the immediate family of the deceased and the entire traditional institution, I want to charge the Nigerian Police to constitute a high powered investigation into revealing the identities of the perpetrators.
“The late Olufon of Ifon in Ondo State, HRM Oba Adegoke Adeusi, was an asset to traditional institution. His vacuum would be felt. As such, those that killed him should be revealed by whatever means to serve as deterrent to others.”
The Oluwo said: “The killing of Olufon of Ifon, Oba Adegoke Adeusi, was an abomination. Monarchs are mortal but cold murder of a king is sacrilegious. The perpetrators are enemies of Yoruba tradition and culture. I’ve no doubt that the spirit of revered crowns in Yorubaland will expose them.”
Oba Adeusi was born in 1955; and was installed as the Oba in 1997.
Police spokesman in the state Tee-Leo Ikoro reportedly confirmed the story. He said that Oba Adeusi was shot and killed while the other people were also kidnapped.
According to him, the police has deployed investigating team to apprehend the killers.
