BY DAYO JOHNSON
AKURE — THE age long rivalry between the Akure and Isolo quarters, both in Akure metropolis in Ondo State,  reverberated yesterday as their  youths engaged themselves in a bloody clash over the closure of shops as final  respect to the late paramount  ruler of Akureland, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, who died on Sunday.

At least 10 persons were seriously injured just as the state police command deployed Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, and policemen to quell the violence.

Princess Adetutu Adesida-Ojei, the Regent of Akure.

The Isolo and Isinkan quarters,  which are within Akure metropolis, have for long been fighting for autonomy from the Deji of Akureland.

In fact, the late Deji had dragged the Osolo of Osolo, Oba Olukayode Oluwatuyi, and the Aralepo of Isinkan, Oba Olu Ojo to court and got court judgment that the Obas should not parade themselves  as Oba again.

But the Oluwatuyi,  who himself died two months ago, and Oba Ojo had appealed the court verdict.

The youths from Akure community reportedly invaded Isolo early yesterday to effect the seven-day closure of all shops across the metropolis by the Deji-in-Council.

Reports had it that the youths from Akure had, Monday, stormed Isinkan to effect the closure order but were restricted.

Timely intervention of chiefs saved the situation from degenerating, Monday.

But, report said youths from Isolo who got wind of the impending attack mobilised and restricted them following which dangerous weapons were freely used.

Some chiefs of Isolo insisted that they were not part of Akure and that the directive did not affect them.

They said from time immemorial they have not been closing their shop whenever any Deji dies.

Timely intervention of policemen who fired tear gas to disperse the warring youths saved the situation from recording casualties.

Looting of shops

Meanwhile, as the closure of shop entered its third day, some youths have used the opportunity to loot the shops of those who flout the directive.

Shop owners who are unable to settle the youths with cash have their shops destroyed and looted.

Confirming the clash between the youths from the two warring quarters, Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said timely intervention by the Police prevented the situation from degenerating.

Ogodo said the Police in the state were on top of the situation and were able to quell the crisis.

He appealed to parents and guardians to call their wards to order, vowing that the police would not fold their hands and allow some miscreants to disrupt the existing peace in the state.

Mimiko, wife pay condolence

Meanwhile,  Governor Olusegun Mimiko, his wife, Olukemi and some top government officials, yesterday, visited the Olori of the late Oba Adesida, Mojisola, and members of the Adesida family in the palace.

Governor Mimiko, who was visibly sad,  noted that the reign of the late monarch  was short  but  eventful.

He said  government and the entire people of the state would continue to remember the late monarch for his zeal towards the transformation of Akure, the state capital and the entire state.

Thanking the Governor on behalf of the Adesida ruling family, Prince Adejare Adesida  appreciated Mimiko for his  love to their late brother and the entire Adesida family.