…Adeleke orders arrest of culprits, reintroduces park management system
Tension gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Sunday as sporadic gunshots were heard in parts of the metropolis following reports of the killing of a factional leader in the state’s motor park crisis, identified as Olalekan Oyeyemi Ajagungbade, popularly known as “Emir.”
- …Adeleke orders arrest of culprits, reintroduces park management system
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The development reportedly triggered a wave of shootings by some of his followers, who moved around parts of the city in a convoy of motorcycles, firing into the air and causing panic among residents.
Areas reportedly affected included Oja-Oba, Gbaemu, Jaleyemi, Odi-Olowo and other parts of Osogbo.
Residents along major roads were said to have hurriedly shut their doors and remained indoors for fear of being caught in the crossfire.
Ajagungbade was reportedly shot dead at Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife after a disagreement with some officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
A source claimed that the deceased had attended a meeting where plans were allegedly discussed to dislodge another faction of the NURTW and take control of some motor parks and garages.
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According to the source, the meeting was connected with the lingering leadership tussle among rival groups over the control of motor parks in the state.
The source further claimed that Ajagungbade was targeted after information allegedly reached his opponents that he was in Ile-Ife and involved in discussions concerning the proposed takeover of some garages.
As conflicting accounts continued to circulate, the reported killing of the motor park factional figure heightened tension in Osogbo, with his supporters allegedly taking to the streets and firing shots into the air.
The development forced some residents and business owners along affected routes to close their premises, while motorists and pedestrians reportedly moved away from areas where gunshots were heard.
Reacting to the incident, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ordered the immediate arrest of all persons suspected to be connected with the killing.
He also directed security agencies to restore normalcy across the affected areas.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor said the killing was allegedly connected with the dispute over leadership and control of motor parks.
Adeleke ordered the immediate vacation of motor parks by the warring groups and directed the reintroduction of the Park Management System across the state.
The governor said he would soon issue an Executive Order to give legal effect to the new management arrangement, aimed at restoring discipline and order in motor parks and garages.
He directed the Commissioner of Police to act immediately and arrest those involved in the killing, stressing that there would be no sacred cows in the handling of the incident.
Adeleke also appealed to residents to remain calm, directing security agencies to ensure the restoration and sustenance of peace in all affected parks and communities.
“We are reintroducing the Park Management System. I will soon issue an Executive Order to give effect to the new management system to manage parks and garages across the state,” the governor said.
He added that law and order must be maintained and that all those found culpable would be brought to justice.