Angry youths have vandalised and set ablaze the Palace of Aree of Iree in Boripe North Local Council Development Area of Osun State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred around 7.00 p.m, on Thursday when the traditional ruler, Oba Ponle Ademola, was said to be out of the palace.
According to reports, the palace was said to have been burnt by youths who were not pleased about the arrest of the Aogun of Iree, Chief Soliu Atoyebi, by security agents on Thursday morning.
The aggrieved youths made burn fires on the roads, which led to the blockage of major roads leading to the town.
NewsClick Nigeria reports that a similar incident had last week occurred in Ikirun town when some aggrieved youths prevented police officers from unlocking the Akirun palace following the rejection of Prince Yinusa Akadiri as new Akirun of Ikirun by ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration. The fracas led to the burning of the palace and killing of a Prince from Gboleru ruling house, Lukman Olatunji. Some youths were also said to be badly injured and receiving treatments at undisclosed hospital.
Meanwhile, the new Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke had on Monday a day after his inauguration, issued an Executive Order, setting aside the appointment and enthronement of three traditional rulers, Aare of Iree; Akirun of Ikirun and Owa of Igbajo.
Adeleke also directed that the palaces of the three traditional rulers should be locked up, while security agents should take charge of the palaces to the prevent breakdown of law and order.
NewsClick Nigeria reports that there had been palpable fear in the three ancient towns following the appointment and approval of the traditional rulers by the immediate past administration of Governor Oyetola.
Some ruling houses and groups in the towns rejected the selection of the three monarchs, alleging that they were imposed on the people by officials in the Oyetola’s administration.
