David Williams
The people of Isan Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State have dismissed claims linking the death of a young man, identified simply as Akeem, to political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election, describing the incident as an unfortunate civil dispute that spiralled into a tragedy.
Community leaders, traditional authorities and residents, who addressed journalists at the palace of the Onisan of Isan Ekiti on Saturday, said available facts showed that the incident had no connection with political activities, contrary to reports circulating on some social media platforms.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Global President of the Isan Progressive Union, Professor Matthew Oluwamukomi, explained that the crisis began as a misunderstanding between two indigenes of the town, one a serving military officer who was home on leave and the other a civilian.
According to him, the soldier reportedly challenged the civilian for wearing military camouflage attire, leading to a heated argument that later degenerated into a physical confrontation.Professor Oluwamukomi said the disagreement occurred at a venue where youths had gathered for the final of a community football competition, attracting a large crowd of spectators.
He explained that in an effort to prevent a breakdown of law and order, some residents alerted the police to intervene and restore peace.According to him, the situation, however, took a tragic turn when officers arrived at the scene.
“From the information available to the community, the police attempted to intervene in the disagreement. Unfortunately, in the process, a shot was fired and Akeem was hit. His death provoked outrage among the youths who were already gathered at the football venue.”
He stressed that the community was concerned by attempts in some quarters to politicise the incident, insisting that there was no evidence to suggest that the deceased was killed during any political activity or election related violence.
“This was not a politically motivated incident. It was a civil dispute between two members of the same community that unfortunately escalated. We appeal to the public to disregard misleading narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension,” he said.
Also speaking, a representative of the women in the community, Mrs Adesola Adejuwon, expressed sadness over the development, maintaining that the disagreement could have been resolved peacefully if it had been professionally managed from the outset.
She urged security agencies to ensure that officers deployed for civil interventions exercise restraint and adhere strictly to established rules of engagement.
The Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Adejuwon, also confirmed that investigations into the incident were ongoing.
The monarch said the community had yet to identify the police officer whose alleged discharge of a firearm resulted in the death of the youth but disclosed that the traditional institution was working closely with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He condemned the destruction of public property by angry youths in the aftermath of the tragedy, noting that the palace and the police station were among facilities vandalised during the protest.
While sympathising with the family of the deceased, the traditional ruler appealed for calm, assuring residents that justice would be pursued through lawful means.
“We understand the pains of our youths and the entire community, but we must allow the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation. Violence cannot bring back the deceased, and we must not allow this unfortunate incident to disrupt the peace for which Isan Ekiti is known,” the monarch said.
The incident cast a shadow over activities in the community on election day, with many young people mourning the loss of their colleague, a situation that initially affected voter turnout in parts of the town.
However, a prominent son of the community, Mr Olaoluwa Dawodu, appealed to residents not to allow grief to deny them the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights.Describing the death of Akeem as painful and regrettable, Dawodu urged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the electoral process while allowing security agencies to conclude their investigation.
The clarification by community leaders came amid heightened public interest in security across Ekiti State following the governorship election, with stakeholders calling for responsible reporting and restraint against spreading unverified claims capable of undermining public confidence and peaceful coexistence.
Residents expressed hope that a transparent investigation into the incident would not only provide justice for the deceased and his family but also help restore confidence in the handling of security operations within the community.
