Some parts of Osun State was engulfed in turmoil on Saturday after Olalekan Ajagungbade, a prominent political ally of Governor Ademola Adeleke, was shot dead in a suspected park leadership clash in Ile-Ife.
According to multiple reports, Ajagungbade, popularly known as “Emir” in political circles, was lured to a motor park in Ile-Ife for a meeting where gunmen shot him in the head.
He was in the middle of a struggle to take control of motor parks in the state from Nurudeen Alowonle, the current leader of commercial drivers in Osun.
—GOVERNOR ORDERS CRACKDOWN—
Governor Adeleke condemned the killing and directed the Osun State Police Command to “track and arrest all those involved.”
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor ordered the immediate vacation of all motor parks by warring groups and directed security agencies to restore normalcy.
“Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book. We call on members of the public to remain calm,” Adeleke said.
“We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas. The security agencies are under instruction to ensure the sustainability of peace at all cost.”
—RETURN OF PARK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM–
The governor announced plans to reintroduce the Park Management System across the state to end violent contests for control of garages.
“I will soon issue an executive order to give effect to the new management system to manage parks and garages across the state,” he said.
The directive comes amid growing concern over recurring violence in motor parks, which have often become flashpoints for political and union rivalries.
Security operatives have been deployed to major parks in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, Ilesa and other flashpoints to enforce the vacation order and maintain peace.
—REACTIONS—
The killing of Ajagungbade, a well-known mobilizer for the PDP in Osun, has heightened political tension in the state. Party members and transport unions have been urged to stay calm as investigations continue.
Police authorities in Osun said they have commenced a manhunt for the attackers and are reviewing CCTV and intelligence from the Ile-Ife park where the shooting occurred.
[Source: Weekend Trust]
