Tensions boiled over in the Hallelujah community of Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State, on Friday, as angry youths attacked the Ajeniju of Hallelujah, Oba Jelili Olaiya, over a disputed appointment of a Chief Imam.
The monarch, who was installed by the Timi of Ede a few months ago, faced backlash after appointing Ahmad Tijjani as the Chief Imam of Hallelujah community last week.
The appointment reportedly angered youths from the neighboring Ido-Osun community, who claimed Oba Olaiya had no authority to make such decisions in a domain under their monarch’s jurisdiction.
During a jumat service at the monarch’s palace, a group of aggrieved youths stormed the venue, disrupted the prayers, and physically assaulted Oba Olaiya. The attack left him severely injured, and his palace was vandalized before security operatives intervened.
A security source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the monarch was rescued by officers and later taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for safety and further investigation.
“The situation escalated quickly, resulting in the vandalization of the palace and serious injuries to the Ajeniju of Hallelujah. He is currently receiving medical attention,” the source disclosed.
Another source revealed that Oba Olaiya was moved to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for treatment.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security, Hon. Samuel Ojo, acknowledged the incident but declined to comment, stating, “We are awaiting the outcome of investigations before making any statement.”
