Violence erupted during the annual New Yam Festival in the Ibule-Soro community of Ifedore Local Government Area, Ondo State, as a dispute over the celebration date led to chaos. Supporters of the town’s monarch, Oba Oluleke Ogunlade, who set the festival for August 25 to mark his first coronation anniversary, clashed with indigenes who insisted the traditional date was Friday, August 10.
The situation escalated with gunshots and tear gas after police and military personnel arrived to disperse the crowd.
Several residents were arrested and taken to the police station in Igbara-Oke. The Ondo State Police Command brought the situation under control, stating emphasizing their role of maintaining law and order, not to take sides.
