Agosasa Crisis is Politically Motivated By Opposition, says Agosasa Youth Group

By Jumoke Adeogun, Abeokuta

Youths in Agosasa under the aegis Agosasa Youth Development Forum (AYDF) have described the recent crisis in the area as politically motivated. 

The group says, contrary to reports in the media, the crisis is not brewing as a result of the vacant Oja of Agosasa stool, but rather due to the tussle for power in Ipokia Local Government as the 2023 elections draw near. 

The Youth group made this assertion in a press release made available to pressmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital. 

Recall that various clashes had erupted in the town at the weekend, leading to the death of at least one person.

The violence also left many residents with injuries, while property worth several millions of naira were reported to have been destroyed. 

However, the Agosasa Youth Development Forum (AYDF) noted that  the recent clashes that have thrown Agosasa township into turmoil is being sponsored by one Alh. Fatai Ajibola, the Akogun of Ipokia Land. 

According to the group, after intensive investigation from various sources within the community, the attacks were instigated by the Alh. Ajibola alongside some other persons including one Abogunrin Sunday popularly known as Okosun. 

The fracas, according to the group started last week Friday when some thugs loyal to Alh. Ajibola beat up one Adegun who is a Chief in Agosasa. 

Wasiu Adeogun who intervened during the process, got stabbed on the wrist.  

On Saturday, the following day, Lateef Ogunro, an ally of Otunba Akeem Adigun was stabbed on the head while sitting on his own. 

On Sunday, the thugs invaded the House of Otunba Akeem Adigun and threatened to attack him in front of his house. Alh. Adigun's brother who came out of the vehicle to dissolve the tension got stabbed. Yet, Alh. Adigun did not retaliate 

On Monday, around 12. 05 pm, Alh. Adigun was on his way out of Agosasa for a peace meeting convened by the state government when some thugs led by one Amosun Nafiu popularly known as Marine attacked his convoy. 

They made an attempt to hit Otunba Adigun on the head with a cudgel before the Police Officers attached to Otunba Adigun repelled the attack. Otunba Adigun thereafter escaped the scene alongside his security details. 

The enraged thugs thereafter regrouped and went on a rampage, burning down several property belonging to high profile indigenes of Agosasa. 

They attacked the residence of Otunba Adigun, burning several property, including sophisticated vehicles. 

Others that had their houses and property burnt, include former Council Chairman, Ipokia LG, Hon. Isiaka Aderohunmu, who is the current Commissioner 2 for SUBEB. Others include Onisa of Agosasa, father of Hon. Aderohunmu; Chief Nafiu Babatunde, Eselu of Agosasa kingdom, Chief M. A Adeogun, the Balogun of Agosasa Kingdom, Mr. Olaiya, while the house of Mr. Wasiu Adeogun aka Wasfa was burnt and his Boutique robbed. 

Meanwhile, it was revealed that Alh. Fatai Ajibola is behind the attacks, possibly to cause mayhem because of their political agitation. 

Those that were attacked are all loyal to Otunba Akeem Adigun and the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun in Ogun state. 

The State Government had directed that no Chieftaincy title be given out without any approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. 

Alh. Ajibola's actions are seen as an infringement on the government's directive. 

Even the current Agosasa Chiefs from the vacant Oja stool are against the moves of the aggrieved Alh. Ajibola and his cohort. 

Efforts by Otunba Akeem Adigun to broker peace between his faction and that of Alh. Ajibola have proved abortive. Hence, why it is believed that the crisis is politically motivated.