. ‘Drenched in his own blood,’ How Olu of Igbokoda’s ear was chopped off during fisticuffs at a function organised by Ondo governor
The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Odidiomo Afolabi, was, on Monday, reportedly assaulted and injured by a community leader (name withheld) at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The public fracas between the community leader and the Igbokoda monarch occurred at the venue of the inauguration ceremony of the 27.5km Igbokoda/Okitipupa dual carriageway by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Olusola Ayanlade, in a reaction, said that assault of the Igbokoda monarch had not been reported to the Force.
It was, however, gathered that the monarch was allegedly attacked by the community leader over a sitting arrangement, before Governor Aiyedatiwa arrived at the venue.
An eye witness, who pleaded anonymity, claimed that the trouble began when the Igbokoda monarch, who was the chief host of the event, ordered the community leader to vacate the front row for traditional rulers at the venue.
READ ALSO:
‘Beyond Sallah Visit,’ Fubara Meets Tinubu In Lagos
Why Tinubu Must Sack Some Ministers – Orji Kalu
Nigeria’s Road Maintenance Needs N880bn Yearly- Works Minister
He Stood, He Served, He Inspired: Tribute To Dr. Bala Wunti, By Usman Koli
Friday, June 6 is Eid-al-Adha, Thursday, June 5 Is Arafat Day, Saudi Declares
Here’s What Caused Late-Night SSCE Papers – WAEC To Parents
But the community leader, according to the witness, refused to obey the monarch’s request.
The community leader’s alleged defiant attitude and refusal to vacate the seat was said to have angered Oba Odidiomo.
The situation was said to have later degenerated into a physical combat between the community leader and the Igbokoda monarch.
It was in the process that the community leader allegedly bit off the ear of the monarch, who was immediately drenched in his own blood as he was being rushed to the hospital.
The witness recounted, “The monarch asked him (community leader) to vacate the front row to avoid blocking the traditional rulers’ view, but the man was irked by the development and started insulting the monarch.
“The man pounced on Oba Odidiomo and removed his crown, the beads, and while they were struggling, he bit the ear of the monarch who was rushed to hospital with blood all over his body.
“So, being the chief host of the event, he could no longer attend the event.”
Angered by the attack on their Oba, residents of the community have staged a protest over the molestation of the monarch.
The residents, who were also joined by angry youths and women dressed half-naked, demanded justice for injured Oba Odidiomo.
They accused the community leader of committing a sacrilege and bastardising their culture, an action they described as a “taboo.”
But Oba Odidiomo could not be reached for comments, as his mobile phone did not connect as of the time of filing this report.
The monarch did not also reply to an SMS message sent to his phone.
Platforms Africa
