Date: 2005-09-29

SOME parts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital came under heavy fighting yesterday as suspected loyalists of a traditional ruler recently dethroned by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, resisted an attempt by the police to dislodge him from his palace.

by Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin

In the cross-fire that ensued, each side lost a victim. A police corporal in the security team that went to the palace was the first casualty. He was reportedly fell by bullet from the embattled ruler's followers.

In retaliation, the police killed a yet-to-be identified man. The casualty figure was confirmed by the police authorities.

The Guardian learnt that more than 10 people have been arrested in connection with the fracas, while over 20 others, including children, were wounded.

Reacting to the development, the state government called for calm. It also appealed to the aggrieved persons to seek legal redress, warning that it would not allow any lawlessness by the citizens.

Yesterday's clash in Ilorin has brought to the fore age-long traditional rivalry among the natives.

Since the removal of three Baloguns and Baba Isale by the Emir, their loyalists have vowed to resist any attempt to impose any ruler on them.

Gambari had through one of his lieutenants, Magaji Nda Alhaji Woru Mohammed announced the dethronement of the chiefs for alleged disloyalty and disrespect for him.

The Emir also queried the monarchs for taking the feud beyond the shore of the state.

The chiefs had in July this year written a letter to President Olusegun Obasanjo where they narrated their ordeal.

They accused Gambari of marginalising them, buttressing their allegation with non-payment of their perquisites by the Ilorin Emirate Council.

The embattled rulers are Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Abdulkareem Laare Balogun; Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Shuaib Adio Mohamud; Baba Isale, Alhaji Saka Aleshi.

The trio head communities that are inhabited by the natives of Ilorin town.

Witnesses said yesterday that trouble started when about 60 armed policemen at about 11.00 a.m. attempted to take over the palace of Magaji Aare at Idi Ape area of the town. They reportedly came with the newly turbaned Magaji Aare, Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Subair.

The Emir had named Subair as the successor to the late occupant of the office, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal.

But supporters of the dethroned rulers allegedly resisted the action of the police. The situation degenerated into a gun battle with Subair, who came on a horse, making a quick detour with some policemen shielding him.

A witness said: "When he (Subair) was coming in company of the policemen, they wanted to enter into Aare's compound but our people resisted them. The policemen were shooting and we had to prevent them from gaining entry into the compound. We have our own Magaji Aare and nobody can replace him except God."

When The Guardian visited the palace at about 2.30 p.m. yesterday, policemen were seen shooting sporadically into the air on one sides, while the monarchs' supporters claimed to be militants blocked the entry point into the Aare's compound.

The situation forced residents to remain indoors while vehicular movement was restricted in the area. The popular Idi-Ape market was deserted.

It was learnt that the dethroned Balogun Gambari was at about 6.00 p.m. on Saturday invited by men of the State Security Services (SSS) for a "chat,"

The state Police Command spokesman, Deputy Superintendent Gideon Marcus, confirmed the death of "one police corporal and a civilian," during the fracas.

Marcus said: "We were discharging our constitutional duty by escorting the newly turbaned Magaji Aare into his palace when one of our men was shot dead.

"We had no choice than to reinforce and defend other men. In the process, one other person on their side fell," he stated.

He also confirmed the arrest of 10 persons, declaring that men and officers of the command were equal to the task of maintaining peace and order in the trouble areas.

Tension also mounted in other areas such as Ajikobi, Alanamu, Fulani and Gambari, where loyalist of other affected rulers have mobilised to defend their leaders.

Already, the state government has sued for peace, urging the aggrieved rulers to challenge the development in a law court.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategies and Politics, Alhaji Bolaji Abdulahi said the government would not compromise its stand on ensuring peace and security of life and property in the state.

Abdulahi said the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Local Government Commissioner, Mrs. Alimat Ibrahim would today issue a statement on the matter.

An unofficial report claimed that over 20 people including women and children were injured at the scene of the clash.