Fracas In Ogboni Confraternity Over New Leader’s Appointment

Members of Ogboni Confraternity in Osogbo
may have turned the Osun Grooves to battle
field following a fracas which ensued
between two factions of the group.
During the crisis which occurred, last week, the
curator and site manager of the National Museum,
Osogbo, under the National Commission for
Museum and Monument Department of the
Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National
Orientation, Mr. Olakunle Makinde, was caught in
the web of the crisis and beaten blue black which
led to his being hospitalised.
Also, staff of the commission whose offices are
located inside the Osun Grooves have deserted
thier offices for almost a week for fear of being
attacked like their boss.
It was gathered that the fracas started following
attempt to appoint new leader of the confraternity
in Osogbo called Are Ogboni. It was gathered that
one Okiki was appointed the new Are Ogboni and
was to be crowned by the Olu-awo, Alhaji Adebisi,
but because of the rift between Okiki and Olu-awo,
Adebisi was by-passed while the World President
known as Alaye was invited from Imesi-Ile for the
installation.
Shortly after the installation, the poster of new Are
Ogboni was pasted on the Ogboni meeting Centre
called Iledi located inside Osun Grooves. It was
learnt that some members loyal to Adebisi, the Olu-
awo tore the posters at Iledi which resulted in the
fracas.
In the ensuing melee, several people were injured
as dangerous weapons were freely used before the
intervention of policemen from the Zone II of the
Nigeria Police. Some personalties were reportedly
arrested, detained and later released on bail.
Efforts by members loyal to the new Are Ogboni
(Okiki) to take over the control of Iledi, the meeting
venue of the confraternity, compounded the crisis
as the two factions are laying claim to the centre.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji
Olanipekun and his traditional chiefs have
intervened in the matter and appealed to the two
factions to maintain law and order promising to
look into the matter.
It was also learnt the matter has been officially
reported to the Director General of National
Museum and Monuments, Yusuf Abdudala Usman
and Director of Heritage Sites and Monuments, Mr.
Oluremi Adebayo and security operatives towards
guarantee the safety of the staff of the Osogbo
National Museum.