Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has ordered the immediate arrest of persons allegedly involved in the killing of his close associate, Comrade Olamilekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, in Ile-Ife.
Oyeyemi was reportedly shot dead on Sunday at Mayfair Garage, Ile-Ife, during a dispute allegedly connected with the control and leadership of a motor park.
The deceased, a member of the Accord Party, was said to have been involved in transport and motor park management activities in the state and was known as an associate of the governor.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear at the time of filing, although reports linked the incident to a confrontation involving individuals connected with the management of the Ife Mini-Bus park.
One of those reportedly mentioned in connection with the dispute is the chairman of Ife Mini-Bus, popularly known as “Síbí”.
Reacting to the incident, Adeleke directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, to immediately apprehend all persons allegedly involved in the killing.
The governor’s directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, the reported killing arose from a tussle over the leadership of a motor park, prompting the governor to order security agencies to take immediate steps to restore peace and prevent further escalation.
Adeleke also directed the immediate vacation of motor parks by rival groups involved in the dispute, while security agencies were ordered to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
“Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book,” the governor said.
He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that his administration would take steps to restore peace in the affected parks and communities.
“We call on members of the public to remain calm. We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas,” Adeleke added.
The governor further announced plans to reintroduce the Park Management System across Osun State as part of measures to address recurring disputes over the control and administration of motor parks and garages.
Adeleke said he would soon issue an Executive Order providing the legal framework for the new system.
“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,” he said.
He directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to act immediately and ensure sustained peace in the affected areas.
Oyeyemi’s killing comes against the backdrop of longstanding tensions surrounding the control and management of motor parks and transport activities in parts of Osun State.
He had previously faced criminal allegations and legal proceedings but was granted bail in April 2024.
Earlier on Sunday, Adeleke had urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements and unfamiliar individuals in their neighbourhoods to security agencies.
The governor made the call following a meeting between the Department of State Services and leaders of the Osun Muslim Community and the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state.
According to the briefing, intelligence available to the DSS indicated that terrorists were planning to mobilise into states across the South-West to unleash violence as part of an alleged plot to discourage voters from participating in the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Adeleke urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately alert security agencies to any suspicious activity.
He particularly advised communities in border areas to report any sudden influx of unfamiliar persons, stressing the need for collective vigilance to prevent threats to public safety.
