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

 

The incident, which took place on Friday, December 27, created tension in parts of the town for three days.

 

A widely circulated video captured the aftermath of the clash, showing a military personnel lamenting an attack on a base in Ota. Gunshots were heard in the background, while broken glass and stones were visible on the premises.

 

In the video, a soldier said, “See our base o, see how they destroy soldiers’ barracks for this Ota o.”

 

A senior military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident on Sunday.

 

The source revealed that the clash began when unidentified military personnel reportedly confronted a masquerade during a festival in the community.

 

“On December 27, some personnel reportedly attacked the Egungun worshippers during their festival. In response, the masquerade worshippers retaliated by attacking the Nigerian Navy School of Music in Ota with bottles, stones, and other dangerous items,” the source explained.

 

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

 

Another senior military official disclosed that community leaders had reached out to naval authorities to settle the issue peacefully.

 

The official said, “The people thought the soldiers they had issues with were from our school and mobilized to attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were to stop the mob from storming the premises.”

 

The source also mentioned that the military personnel featured in the viral video had been detained for violating engagement protocols.

 

Oba Obalanlege, speaking to journalists on Sunday, said he returned early from his UK holiday to address the situation.

 

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

 

The Olota confirmed that he had visited the naval base and described the altercation as a minor misunderstanding blown out of proportion.

 

“The matter has been resolved peacefully, and calm has been restored to Ota and its surroundings,” he assured.

 

Source: Punch Newpaper