Osun Poll: Suspected thugs attack Aree of Iree’s residence, shoot at gate

The palace of the Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, was reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs in the early hours of Friday, heightening tension in the community ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The monarch said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. when two Sienna vehicles allegedly arrived at his residence located along Ikirun/Osogbo road , and their occupants fired shots into the air before shooting at the gate.

Oba Oyelakin said the attackers might have been discouraged from gaining access to the house after noticing that the premises were illuminated, with some people still present for a prayer session.

According to the monarch, he repeatedly switched the palace lights off and on in an attempt to create the impression that several people were inside the premises and deter the assailants.

A gunshot mark was reportedly seen on the palace gate following the attack.

Recounting the incident, Oba Oyelakin said, “The attack occurred around 2 a.m. The lights were on at the time because I was holding a prayer session, with some people still present on the premises.

“I saw two Sienna vehicles. The assailants first shot into the air before firing at my gate. I repeatedly switched the lights off and on to give the impression that people were present and scare the attackers away.”

The monarch expressed concern over the attack, particularly coming hours before the governorship election, and called on security agencies to urgently investigate the incident.

He urged the authorities to identify and arrest those responsible, stressing that the perpetrators should be brought to justice.

“I want to call on all security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice,” he said.

The incident has further heightened concerns over security in parts of Osun State ahead of Saturday’s election, amid allegations by political parties and other stakeholders of attacks and intimidation in some communities.
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