Stakeholders in Isan Ekiti , Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State have dismissed claims that the death of a young man, Akeem, was linked to political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election, insisting that the incident stemmed from a personal dispute and not any election-related activity.
Community leaders, traditional authorities and residents made the clarification on Saturday while addressing journalists at the palace of the Onisan of Isan Ekiti.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Global President of the Isan Progressive Union, Professor Matthew Oluwamukomi, said the incident originated from a misunderstanding between a serving military officer on leave and a civilian who was reportedly wearing military camouflage attire. According to him, the disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation during the final of a community football competition attended by a large number of youths and residents.
Professor Oluwamukomi explained that residents alerted the police in an effort to prevent a breakdown of law and order, but the situation turned tragic when officers intervened. He said information available to the community indicated that a firearm was discharged during the intervention, fatally hitting Akeem and triggering outrage among youths gathered at the venue.
He expressed concern over attempts to politicise the incident, stressing that there was no evidence linking the death to political activities or election violence. He urged the public to disregard what he described as misleading narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension and undermining peace in the community.
Also speaking, a representative of the women in the community, Mrs Adesola Adejuwon, described the development as unfortunate and called on security agencies to ensure professionalism and restraint during civil interventions. The Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Adejuwon, said investigations were ongoing and disclosed that efforts were being made in collaboration with the police and other security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The monarch condemned the destruction of public property, including the palace and the police station, by angry youths following the incident. While sympathising with the family of the deceased, he appealed for calm and urged residents to allow the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
The incident reportedly affected voter turnout in parts of the community on election day, prompting appeals from community leaders for residents to participate peacefully in the electoral process while awaiting the outcome of investigations.
