Tension in Edo as Angry Youths Burn Down Top Monarch’s House, Details Emerge

• Some displeased youths in Ojah town in Edo state have attacked and burnt down the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Okogbe Lawani
• Legit.ng learnt that Oba Lawani's palace was destroyed over burial rites given to a dead woman
• The residence of the Edo state commissioner for social development and gender, Mrs Christabel Ekwu, was also destroyed by the youths, said to be Ojah deity worshippers

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 6-year-experience covering public journalism

Oja, Edo state - Tension has engulfed Ojah community in Akoko-Edo local government area (LGA) of Edo state.

This was as some youths in the community allegedly attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Olojah of Ojah, Oba Okogbe Lawani, Nigerian Tribune reported on Tuesday, January 30.

Read also

3 herdsmen arrested for allegedly killing pastor in Oyo

Edo: Rampaging youths burn palace

Legit.ng gathered that the reported arson happened on Sunday, January 28.

It was gathered that trouble started when a woman died, and after some findings, it was said that the deceased was killed at the shrine in Ojah.

A villager said:

“So the community wanted to bury the woman as usual, which is the sky burial that is throwing the dead bodies in the shrine on the hills.”

Oba Lawani reportedly advocated for the stoppage of that type of burial, but the rampaging youths allegedly suspected insincerity on the part of the traditional leader who they believed had invited security agents.

A source said:

“In the process, the youths decided to engage the security agents, attacked the security agents with stones and pushed them away, and in their anger, attacked the palace of the traditional ruler.

Read also

Ekiti: Panic as gunmen intercept school bus, abduct pupils

“They vandalised the palace and completely burnt the traditional ruler’s SUV car parked in the compound.”

Although the incident happened two days ago, Legit.ng learnt that there is still anxiety in the community.

When contacted, Chidi Nwabuzor, the police spokesperson in the state, said he was still waiting for reports from the divisional police officer (DPO) in the area.

What to read about Edo:

• "He was ransacked": Drama as hoodlums rob dead man in Edo
• APC announces method to pick Edo governorship candidate, details emerge
• Influential Edo politician declares for governorship election, details emerge

Gunmen burn Anambra traditional ruler’s palace

In a piece of related news, Legit.ng reported that the palace of Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife, the traditional ruler of the Isseke Community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state was burnt down by some gunmen.

Reacting to the incident, the state commissioner of police, Aderemi Adeoye, said an investigation had begun.

Source: Legit.ng