Tensions erupted in Hallelujah community, within the Egbedore local government area of Osun State, on Friday, as furious residents assaulted the newly appointed Ajeniju of Hallelujah, Oba Jelili Olaiya, while he attempted to conduct jumat prayer in the area.
The Ajeniju, who had been installed by the Timi of Ede a few months ago, against the wishes of the Ido-Osun community, was brutally beaten by irate youths who claimed he had no authority to appoint a chief Imam for their community.
Reports indicate that the monarch had recently appointed one Ahmad Tijjani as Chief Imam of Hallelujah. However, when he gathered supporters at his palace for jumat prayers, a group of youths, allegedly from Ido-Osun, stormed the palace and disrupted the proceedings.
The aggrieved youths challenged the monarch, demanding to know by what right he could assume authority to organise jumat prayer in a territory that belonged to a different monarch.
The mob violently attacked the Ajeniju and vandalised the palace before security forces were able to restore order.
A security source, speaking anonymously, revealed that intervention by operatives was necessary to rescue the monarch from the scene.
“The situation escalated, leading to the vandalism of the palace and a serious assault on the Ajeniju of Hallelujah, who sustained significant injuries. He has since been taken to the State CID for further investigation and safety,” the source stated.
Another source from the community confirmed that the monarch is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo.
In response to the incident, Hon. Samuel Ojo, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security, confirmed the occurrence but stated he would refrain from commenting until the investigation is complete.