Ikenne, Ogun State, was thrown into chaos on Saturday as a standoff between security forces and local youths turned violent.

The clash was sparked by the Ikenne Local Government Area’s decision to prohibit the celebration of the Oro festival, citing concerns about potential unrest amid a lingering royal dispute.

Defying the ban, youths took to the streets, setting up bonfires and facing off against police. The situation rapidly deteriorated, with reports of sporadic gunfire and the arrest of 20 individuals. Two vehicles were also impounded.

According to Police Commissioner Abiodun Alamutu, the unrest was fueled by simmering tensions over a recent court ruling related to the community’s protracted Obaship crisis.

“It is a fallout of the longstanding Obaship crisis in the town. Recently, the court dismissed the one currently on the throne, but the judgement had been appealed,” he explained.

He further elaborated on the local government’s decision to halt the festival.

“Based on the tense atmosphere, the local government, which is the consenting authority for the festival, decided that it should not be celebrated to prevent any breach of peace.

“We did the same thing last year, but some youths, who are being misguided, decided they must have their way.

“We have arrested 20 of them, impounded two vehicles and everyone will soon be brought to the state command at Eleweran, Abeokuta to answer for their misdeeds,” Alamutu said.

The police chief confirmed that those arrested would be taken to the state command in Eleweran, Abeokuta, to answer for their actions.