In a bid to uphold peace and harmony in Otta Kingdom, His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode), displayed exemplary leadership by addressing a potentially violent clash between naval personnel and Egungun adherents. His swift and decisive actions successfully averted a crisis, reinforcing the principles of mutual respect and coexistence within the kingdom.

On Sunday, 29th December 2024, His Majesty visited the Nigerian Navy School of Music, Otta, where he met with the Commanding Officer, Commander Olaife. The discussions centred on fostering peaceful coexistence between security agencies and cultural stakeholders in Otta, following the clash that occurred on Friday, 27th December 2024. His Majesty emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration as critical pillars for societal harmony.

Accompanying Kabiyesi Olota were: HRM Oba (Dr.) Ademola Eletu Ashorota, Onitele of Itele-Otta, Aworiland, High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun (Seriki of Otta), High Chief Oyedele Deinde (Oluwo of Otta), Baale Adelani Faleye (Baale Eledi Atala).

In a parallel effort, His Majesty convened a separate meeting with Egungun leaders to address the incident and advocate for peace, even in the face of provocation. These discussions affirmed the need for restraint, mutual understanding, and respect for the Egungun tradition while safeguarding the community’s harmony and safety. Resolutions were reached to protect the revered status of Egungun in Otta and its environs.

Expressing gratitude to all parties for their cooperation in averting bloodshed, His Majesty reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to preserving Otta Kingdom’s cultural heritage. He emphasized the critical balance between maintaining peace and security and celebrating the kingdom’s cherished traditions.

Kabiyesi’s proactive intervention necessitated cutting short his Christmas and New Year vacation, a reflection of his dedication to the well-being of his people. His actions have been widely commended, further cementing Otta’s reputation as a beacon of cultural harmony and cosmopolitan coexistence.

The Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has returned from the United Kingdom to address a reported clash between Egungun worshippers and military personnel in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 27, reportedly sparked tension in parts of the town for three days.

A viral video, which captured the aftermath of the fracas, showed a military personnel lamenting an attack on a military base in Ota. Sounds of gunshots were heard in the background, while broken glass and stones littered the premises.

The soldier in the video said, “See our base o, see how they destroy soldiers’ barracks for this Otta o.”

A top military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH on Sunday.

The source explained that the clash began when some yet-to-be-identified military personnel allegedly confronted a masquerade during a festival in the community.

“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 weapons,” the source said.

The source added that naval personnel fired warning shots to disperse the mob attempting to storm the military base.

Another senior military official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that some community leaders had reached out to the naval authorities to resolve the matter amicably.

The official said, “The people thought some soldiers they had issues with were from our school and mobilized themselves to attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were to prevent the mob from forcing their way into the premises.”

The source disclosed that the military personnel who appeared in the viral video had been detained for breaching the rules of engagement.

Oba Obalanlege, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, said he cut short his UK holiday to address the situation.

“I was in the UK when the incident happened. I had to cut short my holiday and return this morning. I can assure you that normalcy has returned to Ota,” the monarch said.

The Olota explained that he had visited the naval base and found that the altercation was a minor misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion.

The issue has been resolved amicably, and peace has returned to Ota and its environs,” he assured

In a bid to ensure market hygiene and promote healthy living, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, has planned to establish a special task force to checkmate traders’ incessant disregard for environmental regulations and enforce sanitation exercise among others in the area.

The Council Chairman, Hon. Lawal Wasiu, made this known, at a meeting with market leaders across the local government at the council’s secretariat, Ota, explaining that, one of his priorities was to promote healthy living, where markets would be clean and hygienic enough to boost business activities. 

Hon. Wasiu said, part of the measures to achieve clean markets was to establish sanitation task force that would mete out stringent measures against defaulters, stressing that environmental sanitation was key to healthy living, safety and well-being of the community at large.

He urged market leaders to educate their members to maintain clean environment, promote hygienic living in the market, adding that the Sanitation Task Force would work along with market leaders towards achieving the set objectives of enforcing, monitoring and reporting sanitation defaulters for appropriate fine.

In his remarks, the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Junaid Wasiu, urged the Iyalojas and Babalojas to support the local government by contributing positively to its development, as well as providing information that would help in advancing the socio- economic development of the council.

In his contribution, Director of General Service and Administration, Mr.  Bisi Akinde, added that the marketers should not only maintain hygienic environment but also eschew road side trading, that could impede free flow of traffic.

In their separate remarks, Iyaloja General Chief (Mrs.)  Adetoro Adeogun, Iyaloja Atan, Chief (Mrs.) Bosede Isiyemi; Babaloja Oju Ore, Chief Ibrahim Dada; appreciated the Chairman for taking steps towards addressing challenges confronting the market.

They called for intervention over increment in the markets levies among other disturbing issues affecting commercial activities, adding that waste bins and refuse package vans should be provided by the local government to make refuse disposal seamless across the area