Details: Olota Resolves Face-Off Between Egungun Adherents and Navy Base Personnel, Restores Peace
Olota emphasized the need for mutual understanding between the Navy Personnel and the local residents, as has historically been the case
Following a confrontation between Naval personnel and adherents of Egungun (masquerades) in Ota, a truce was successfully facilitated by the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdukabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, alongside the Onitele of Itele, Oba Ademola Eletu Asorota, and the Seriki of Ota, High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun.
The Olota cut short his annual vacation to address the situation urgently, having been informed of an impending conflict between the local community and the military personnel stationed in his domain. The incident occurred on Friday, December 27, and reportedly fueled tension in parts of the town for about three days.
A viral video captured the aftermath of the clash, showing a military personnel lamenting the attack on a military base in Ota. In the video, sounds of gunshots were heard in the background, and debris, such as broken glass and stones, littered the naval base premises. The soldier expressed distress, exclaiming, “See our base, oh! Look at how they destroyed the soldiers’ barracks in Ota!”
A top military source, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the incident and explained that the clash began when unidentified military personnel confronted a masquerade during a community festival. “On December 27, some personnel reportedly attacked the Egungun worshippers during their festival. In retaliation, the masquerade worshippers attacked the Nigerian Navy School of Music in Ota with bottles, stones, and other dangerous objects,” the source stated.
The source further elaborated that naval personnel fired warning shots to disperse the mob that was trying to storm the military base. Another senior military official, who also requested anonymity, revealed that community leaders had reached out to naval authorities to resolve the dispute amicably.
“The locals believed that certain soldiers they had issues with were stationed at our school, which led them to mobilize and attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were intended to prevent the mob from breaching our premises,” the official explained.
It was also disclosed that the military personnel featured in the viral video had been detained for breaching the rules of engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the Olota, Chief Bashorun confirmed that the Olota and other monarchs and chiefs met with the Commanding Officer of the Navy School of Music and the leadership of the Egungun worshippers to restore peace to the community.
During an emergency meeting held on Sunday at Olota’s palace, the monarch emphasized the need for mutual understanding between the Navy Personnel and the local residents, as has historically been the case.
Responding to a question regarding the alleged attack on the masquerade, the High Chief clarified that the skirmishes involved followers of the masquerade and young men who were not in uniform during the clash. However, it was reported that the attackers sought refuge in the Navy School, which triggered a reaction from the youths.
The adherents of Egungun have been advised to maintain peace and respect the sanctity of the Egungun festival, which is a vital cultural celebration for Ota and the larger Aworiland throughout Yorubaland. Read More
