OSUN, Nigeria – Olalekan Ajagungbade, a political ally of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been shot dead in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Ajagungbade, popularly known as “Emir” in political circles, was reportedly lured to a motor park in Ile-Ife for a meeting, where he was shot in the head.
According to a report by Daily Trust, Ajagungbade had been involved in a struggle for control of motor parks in the state with Nurudeen Alowonle, the current leader of commercial drivers in Osun.
His killing has reportedly heightened tension in parts of the state, particularly around some motor parks.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Adeleke directed the Osun State Police Command to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor also ordered the immediate vacation of motor parks by rival groups and directed the introduction of a Park Management System across the state.
Adeleke further directed security agencies to restore normalcy in affected areas and ensure the protection of lives and property.
He said an Executive Order would soon be issued to give legal effect to the new park management arrangement.
“Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book. We call on members of the public to remain calm,” the governor said.
“We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas. The security agencies are under instruction to ensure the sustainability of peace at all cost.
“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 added.
The governor’s directive came amid concerns over growing rivalry surrounding the control of motor parks in the state.
