Sporadic gunshots were heard in parts of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Sunday following the reported killing of a factional leader in the state’s motor park crisis, Olalekan Oyeyemi Ajagungbade, popularly known as “Emir”.
The shooting reportedly triggered panic across parts of the city as some of the deceased’s supporters moved around on motorcycles, allegedly firing shots into the air.
Oja-Oba, Gbaemu, Jaleyemi, Odi-Olowo and other areas were reportedly affected by the incident.
Residents and business owners along some of the affected routes reportedly hurried indoors and shut their premises, while motorists and pedestrians avoided areas where gunshots were heard.
Ajagungbade was reportedly shot dead at Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife after a disagreement involving some officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
A source said the deceased had attended a meeting where an alleged plan to remove a rival NURTW faction and take control of some motor parks and garages was discussed.
The source linked the meeting to the prolonged leadership dispute between rival groups over the control of motor parks in Osun State.
It was further alleged that Ajagungbade was targeted after his opponents learnt that he was in Ile-Ife and had participated in discussions concerning the proposed takeover of some garages.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death remained unclear as conflicting accounts emerged following the incident.
Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ordered the immediate arrest of anyone suspected to be involved in the killing.
The governor also directed security agencies to restore peace in Osogbo and other affected areas.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said the killing was allegedly connected to the dispute over leadership and control of motor parks.
He ordered the immediate vacation of motor parks by the rival groups and directed the reintroduction of the Park Management System across the state.
Adeleke said he would soon issue an Executive Order to provide legal backing for the new arrangement and restore order in motor parks and garages.
He directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that those responsible for the killing were arrested and prosecuted, stressing that no individual would be protected from investigation.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and urged security agencies to maintain peace across affected communities.
“We are reintroducing the Park Management System. I will soon issue an Executive Order to give effect to the new management system to manage parks and garages across the state,” Adeleke said.
He added that law and order must be maintained and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
