A violent confrontation over the control of motor parks in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday claimed the life of a political aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.
Oyeyemi was reportedly shot dead at about 10am as rival groups clashed at the Mayfair motor park in the ancient city, with the violence later spreading to the Sabo and Lagere areas.
According to an eyewitness, the deceased was leading his loyalists when the confrontation broke out during an alleged attempt to gain control of the Mayfair park.
The development reportedly sent residents and business owners into panic as sporadic gunshots continued for over 20 minutes, forcing traders, motorists and other people around the affected areas to flee for safety.
A video circulating on social media showed Oyeyemi, dressed in a hooded cardigan, lying in a vehicle with bloodstains on his body after the attack.
Following the killing, Adeleke ordered the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, to commence an investigation into the incident and identify those responsible for the violence.
The governor also directed security agencies to restore calm in the affected areas and ordered the immediate withdrawal of rival groups from the motor parks.
A statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the governor would introduce a new Park Management System aimed at bringing order to motor parks and garages across the state.
Adeleke appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring that the government would ensure that those responsible for the violence were brought to justice, adding that no individual involved in the incident would be protected.
