There was pandemonium in Igbo-Ora, Ibarapa area of Oyo State, on Saturday, when some youths blocked the convoy of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, during the yearly World Twin Festival in the town.
Naijaonpoint learnt that the incident disrupted the closing moments of the colourful cultural celebration as the monarch attempted to leave the venue.
Sources told The Guardian that the situation escalated when the crowd, primarily youths, grew unruly and surrounded the royal convoy. Security operatives attached to the monarch were forced to fire warning shots and release tear gas to disperse the mob and clear the road.
Videos circulating on social media showed the tense scene, with people scampering for safety as gunshots rang out. One bystander was heard saying, “They have locked the gate against the Alaafin. They don’t want him to go.”
Sources revealed that the confrontation began after the youths allegedly demanded money from the monarch before allowing him to depart. Security operatives initially tried to appeal to them, but the crowd became larger and more aggressive, forcing a sterner response.
A post on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) also described the incident as a “scary moment in Igbo-Ora,” noting that the security team had to fire shots into the air before the Alaafin could leave safely.
Confirming the development, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, dismissed fears that live ammunition was used.
Durojaiye said, “They are street urchins who wanted to collect money from the king. They were forceful. The security appealed to them but they went wild. Security agents could not open their eyes and allow urchins to rough-handle the monarch. It is better imagined than experienced.
“The security agents, therefore, fired canisters of tear gas to scare them. No live bullet was shot at anybody.”
Durojaiye further advised residents and festival participants to maintain decorum during public events. He stressed that those seeking help from traditional rulers should do so peacefully and respectfully.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]