Controversy over the burial rites for the 30th Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, erupted into violence on Monday as residents opposed to the observance of passage rites clashed with supporters seeking to honour the late monarch.
The fracas occurred at Iloro Market in Igbajo, leaving one man, identified as Ifa, injured, while two others reportedly sustained bruises. Videos circulating on social media showed unrest in the marketplace, with women dressed in white and carrying leaves urging traders to close shops as a mark of respect for the deceased
Oba Famodun, who passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the age of 67 after a brief illness, was installed as the Owa of Igbajo on November 24, 2022, by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. His position was disputed by a white paper issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke but was reinstated by the Osun State High Court on January 30, 2025. Before ascending the throne, Oba Famodun served as the Osun State chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
The violence was reportedly triggered when supporters of the late monarch attempted to close Iloro Market for three market days to conduct traditional burial rites, while another group opposed the closure, insisting that the late Oba was a prince and not a king.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Three people were injured during the clash. One of them, known as Ifa, sustained serious injuries. The market was later shut, and burial rites continued despite the curfew.”
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The State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that one person was injured and said normalcy had returned to the town. “Our personnel are on the ground, but as of this morning, no arrest has been made. Igbajo community is now peaceful,” he said.
In response to the unrest, Governor Adeleke imposed a 24-hour curfew on Igbajo, effective immediately, warning that any person found disturbing the peace would face legal action. The curfew, enforced by the Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC, will remain in place until order is fully restored.
The governor’s statement described the lockdown as necessary to ensure peaceful coexistence in the town and prevent further breakdown of law and order following the death of the late Oba Famodun.