Two dead in Ekiti community as monarch cancels festival

Awo people have been killed in Ire Ekiti, in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State following the crisis that ensued over the stoppage of this year’s Ogun Onire festival.

Sources said the crisis, which began on Sunday and escalated on Monday, was as a result of the refusal of the king, Oba Victor Bobade, to allow the celebration of the annual festival.

The monarch was said to have, in line with the state COVID-19 guideline, disallowed the annual celebration.

A source said angry groups, who were bent on holding  the annual celebration, attacked the palace and burnt vehicles belonging to the monarch.

The source added, “We have been having serious battle in the town since our monarch urged the Ogun Onire worshippers to stop.

“The crisis between the factions loyal to the oba and the worshippers led to the death of two people . Everybody in the community is confused as people have to run to save their lives.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said, “The report on my desk showed that two persons were killed in the unfortunate incident.”

Abutu added that the police had arrested “one of the gang leaders.”