Otunba Akeem Adigun, popularly known as Socopao, a grassroots politician who enjoys a good relationship with the past and present governors of Ogun Sate, is still reeling from the shock of the wanton destruction of his property, a fallout of a kingship tussle in Agosasa community in Ipokia Local Government area of Ogun State.
Following the death of the first Oja of Agosasa, Oba James Elegbede in February 2022, there had been tension over who would succeed the late traditional ruler. Matters came to a head in September when some youths of the community took to the streets to warn against the installation of an unpopular candidate as the next king. The youths were opposed to steps allegedly taken by Adigun to install a candidate of his choice against the wish of the people.
During the protest, one of the youths was hit by a bullet and he later died. This allegedly infuriated the irate youths who were later joined by other assailants and all marched into Adigun’s expansive country home on the outskirts of the town and wreaked massive havoc. His palatial country home in the town was torched and at least seven exotic and vintage cars, as well as property valued at hundreds of millions of naira were burnt.
Adigun narrowly escaped death. During the mayhem, a former council Chairman in the state, Isiaka Aderounmu, also had his home and car torched by the rampaging youths. More youths died from the incident and not a few sustained injuries. The incident happened exactly a month after Adigun shut down Lagos for his 70th birthday party, which was well-attended by top socialites and dignitaries including Governor Dapo Abiodun and his deputy. It has been two months since the unfortunate incident and while the paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has attempted to mediate between the youths of the community and Adigun, the socialite still finds it hard to believe that his life could easily have been snuffed out for allegedly promoting his own interest. And what is more, his property worth hundreds of millions of naira is yet to be replced and the reason for the whole melee – a replacement king is far from being appointed.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
