Angry youths torch the Iree Oba palace in Osun

The Palace of Aree of Iree in Osun’s Boripe North Local Council Development Area was vandalized and set on fire by angry youths on Thursday evening.

The palace was allegedly burned down by youths enraged by the arrest of the Aogun of Iree, Chief Soliu Atoyebi, by security agents on Thursday morning.

Around 7 p.m., when the traditional ruler, Oba Ponle Ademola, was said to be out of the palace, it was attacked and burned.

The incident resulted in the closure of major roads leading to the town, while angry youths set fire to the roads.

Residents and business owners in the town were said to have immediately locked their doors for safety reasons.

SP Yemisi Opalola of the Osun Police Department was unavailable for comment because her phone was turned off.

Track News previously reported that Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun issued an Executive Order on Monday, a day after his inauguration, postponing the appointment and enthronement of three traditional rulers, Aare of Iree, Akirun of Ikirun, and Owa of Igbajo.

Adeleke also ordered that the palaces of the three traditional rulers be locked up, with security agents in charge to prevent a breakdown in law and order.

Following the appointment and approval of Prince Ponle Ademola as Aree of Iree by the immediate past administration of Gboyega Oyetola, there was palpable fear in Iree Town.

Some ruling houses and groups in town had opposed Ademola’s appointment, claiming that he was imposed on the people by officials in the Oyetola administration.