Emir Ajagungbade Shot Dead in Ile-Ife Motor Park Clash as Osun Tension Escalates
Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, was reportedly killed during a dispute at Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife as Governor Adeleke orders arrests.
Tension has heightened across parts of Osun State following the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, in a reported clash over control of a motor park in Ile-Ife.
Oyeyemi, an Accord Party chieftain and political associate of Governor Ademola Adeleke, was reportedly shot dead at the Mayfair Motor Park, also known as Mayfair Garage, during a meeting linked to a lingering leadership dispute over the facility.
The incident occurred around midday on Sunday, triggering panic among traders, transport workers and residents in the area as rival groups reportedly fled the scene following the shooting.
Sources said Oyeyemi was shot in the head during the confrontation, although police had yet to publicly provide a detailed account of what led to the killing or identify those responsible.
The dispute reportedly involved groups associated with Comrade Nurudeen Alowonle, popularly known as Alowonle or Wakili, and the chairman of Ife Mini-Bus operators, known as Sibi.
The situation reportedly became more chaotic as people linked to the rival groups attempted to leave the area. A vehicle said to be carrying some individuals connected to one of the groups was later involved in an accident along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway while fleeing the area.
The incident also raised fears of further violence, with reports of sporadic gunshots in other parts of Osun, including Isale Osun and Asoje in Osogbo.
Residents in the affected areas were reportedly forced to remain indoors as the tension spread.
A video circulating on social media purportedly showed Oyeyemi lying face down inside a vehicle, with blood visible around his body. The circumstances surrounding the footage could not be independently verified.
Governor Adeleke moved quickly to respond to the killing, directing the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of anyone found to be responsible.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor vowed that there would be “no sacred cows” in the investigation.
Adeleke also ordered rival groups to immediately vacate motor parks across Osun State and directed security agencies to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The governor further announced plans to reintroduce a formal Park Management System across the state, saying an executive order would soon be issued to establish the framework.
According to the governor, the measure is intended to restore discipline and order to motor parks and garages while preventing further disputes over their management.
“We call on members of the public to remain calm. We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas. The security agencies are under instruction to ensure the sustainability of peace at all costs,” the statement said.
Oyeyemi was a prominent figure in Osun’s transport and political circles. He reportedly served on a transition-related committee connected to Adeleke’s administration and had previously been associated with the political structure of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
His death has also brought renewed attention to his controversial past.
In July 2022, the Osun State Police Command reportedly declared Oyeyemi wanted over allegations including murder, cultism and armed robbery.
He was subsequently arrested and arraigned before the Federal High Court in Osogbo in 2024 on charges reportedly including terrorism, conspiracy and unlawful killing. He was granted bail in April 2024.
The killing has once again exposed the longstanding tensions surrounding control of motor parks and transport union structures in Osun State.
Disputes over leadership and control of motor parks have previously resulted in violent clashes, restrictions on union activities and interventions by security agencies.
The latest incident is therefore likely to increase pressure on the state government and security agencies to address the underlying disputes and prevent a further escalation.
As of Sunday evening, police had not released a detailed account of the incident or announced any arrests in connection with the killing.
Security operatives were, however, reported to have taken over the Mayfair Motor Park following the shooting as authorities moved to prevent further violence.
The circumstances surrounding Oyeyemi’s death and the identities of those responsible remain subject to investigation.
