Osun youths attack monarch, vandalise palace over Imam installation

Pandemonium erupted on Friday evening in the Hallelujah community of Egbedore Local Government Area in Osun State when angry youths assaulted the newly installed Ajeniju of Hallelujah, Oba Jelili Olaiya, while he was attempting to conduct Jumat prayers in the area.

The youths, disregarding any sense of decorum, had been prepared for confrontation against the Ajeniju, whom they claimed had been installed by the Timi of Ede a few months ago against the community’s wishes.

The residents condemned the monarch for his decision, asserting that he had no authority to appoint a chief imam for their community.

Trouble began when the newly appointed Ahmad Tijjani, the Chief Imam of the Hallelujah community, attempted to gather people to observe Jumat prayers at the king’s palace—a move that was met with hostility from the residents.

During this attempt, enraged youths from Ido-Osun reportedly attacked him and disrupted the proceedings.

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They shouted at the monarch, questioning his authority to install an imam and conduct Jumat prayers in an area that belongs to a different monarch.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the monarch was beaten severely, and his palace was vandalized by the angry youths before security operatives intervened and rescued him.

A security source, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the incident, stating, “On 3rd January 2025, a crisis broke out between the people of Ido-Osun and the palace of the Ajeniju of Hallelujah. The plan to appoint an imam at the palace faced strong opposition from the youths of Ido-Osun.”

The situation escalated, leading to the vandalization of the palace and a physical assault on the Ajeniju of Hallelujah, who sustained serious injuries.

He has since been taken to the State CID for further investigation and to ensure his safety.

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