Panic and bloodshed gripped the Egbedi community in Egbedore Local Government Area after armed thugs invaded the town over a long-standing land and chieftaincy dispute. The violent attack left six people hospitalized and heightened tensions between rival factions.
Terror in Egbedi: Gunfire and Machete Attacks
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the community on Thursday, unleashing chaos as they fired shots into the air and attacked residents with cutlasses. The violence erupted a day after a chief and two princes were assaulted for questioning the presence of unknown individuals accompanied by armed thugs.
Palace chief Yisa Akolapo revealed that the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, had received reports of a gathering of individuals from Ede and Erin at Olasaope Junction. In response, he dispatched two chiefs and two princes to investigate. However, the emissaries were ambushed and brutally attacked.
“The thugs set upon Chief Ajiroba, Yisa Abayomi, and Prince Abioye with cutlasses,” Akolapo recounted. “They barely escaped and rushed to a police station before being taken to the hospital for treatment.”
Hoodlums Return With Firearms
On Thursday, the violence escalated when the attackers returned—this time armed with guns. They reportedly positioned themselves in front of the Elegbedi’s palace and opened fire in multiple directions, leaving six residents critically injured.
“The victims are in the hospital, fighting for their lives,” Akolapo lamented. “We were told the assailants were led by Oriade Kazeem, an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, who boasted of having the governor’s backing.”
Royal Feud: Power Struggle Over Egbedi’s Throne
Oba Muideen Azeez accused the Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Lawal, of backing the attack to install a monarch on Egbedi land—a territory currently embroiled in a legal dispute.
“The land they are trying to claim is still in court, yet they have chosen violence instead of waiting for a legal resolution,” the monarch stated. “I call on Nigerians and authorities to come to our aid. Six of my people are in critical condition because of this attack.”
Timi of Ede Denies Involvement
In response, the Timi of Ede’s media office released a statement on Friday, distancing the palace from the conflict.
“The Timi palace has no involvement in the Egbedi crisis,” the statement read. “The dispute is between the Iloba family and the town, not Ede.”
As tensions rise and accusations fly, residents of Egbedi remain on edge, fearing further violence in the ongoing power struggle. Authorities have yet to make any arrests or confirm the involvement of political figures in the attack.
