Pandemonium has engulfed Oja community in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo State, as some youths in the community allegedly attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Olojah of Ojah, HRH Oba D. S. Lawani.

It was learnt that the suspects did not spare the private residence of the Commissioner for Social Development and Gender, Mrs. Christabel Eremah Ekwu, as her residence was also attacked by the rampaging youths.

The crisis, it was gathered, is connected with the customary practice of the kind of burial befitting some people as prescribed by a shrine. But the Okpameri Traditional Rulers Association (OKPATRA) on Tuesday issued a statement condemning the destruction of the buildings and called for peace.

It was gathered that trouble started on Monday when a woman died, and “after some findings, it was said that the woman was killed by the shrine in Ojah, 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,” a villager said.

The traditional ruler and the commissioner were said to have advocated for the stoppage of that type of burial, while the allegedly suspected insincerity on the part of the duo who they believe had invited security agents to the peace meeting.

“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. They vandalized the palace and completely burnt the traditional ruler’s SUV car parked in the compound, while the residence of the commissioner was completely razed down,” a source said.

Reacting to the development, a leader from the area and House of Assembly aspirant, Joy Akpaida, condemned the attacks and called for peace, while a statement from OKPATRA and signed by its Chairman and Secretary, HRH Óba Sule Idaiye and Victor Arogunyo, said they would consult to resolve the issues.

“The leadership of Okpameri Traditional Rulers Association (OKPATRA) condemned in its entirety the wanton destruction of the Palace of the Olojah of Ojah, HRH Oba D. S. Lawani, and the burning down of his vehicle as a result of internal disagreement in the community that is easily reconcilable.

“We, in the same breath, condemn the total burning down of the residence of the Honourable Commissioner For Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Christabel Omoh Eremah Ekwu.

“While appreciating the proactive role and intervention of the Executive Chairman of Akoko-Edo LGC, Tajudeen Alade, and the Chairman of Okpameri Description Union (ODU) Dr. Kingsley Ekundayo and his team for their respective peace moves, we crave the indulgence and understanding of all the critical stakeholders of Ojah community to continue to maintain peace and harmony.

“OKPATRA will consult with the relevant stakeholders in the local government, including the Akoko-Edo Traditional Rulers Council, to resolve all the contending issues with a view to finding a lasting solution as soon as it is practicable,” the statement said.

When contacted, the State Command of the Nigerian Police said it was waiting for reports from the Divisional Police Officer in the area. (Nigerian Tribune)

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