Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the State Security Service (SSS) to investigate the alleged brutal assault at the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace that reportedly caused the death of Chief Lukmon Suleiman Ojora Arounfale, the Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The petition, dated September 22, 2025, accuses Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade and his aides of ordering the attack on April 17, 2025, during a visit that turned violent over disputes on coronation traditions linked to the Ooni of Ife.
Incident Details
The group, including Oladotun Ayodele, Adeola Ayodele, Dipole Awoyemi, and Rosaline Ayoka Arounfale, faced a cordial welcome at the Oyo Town palace until Chief Arounfale referenced Oyotunji’s historical ties to the Ooni for coronations, enraging the Alaafin who labeled them spies and traitors. Palace aides allegedly confiscated phones after spotting a recording, then beat the elderly chief—described as frail—and pushed him down stairs under the monarch’s watch. Victims, bleeding and in pain, were handed to the Oyo Area Commander for arrest on fabricated charges, detained overnight, and forced to sign an apology letter for bail on April 18.
Police Involvement and Cover-Up Claims
Falana’s petition details how police compelled statements from the injured victims despite no crimes, holding them despite agony from the assault. Released after the apology, the group sought medical care, but Chief Arounfale died on April 27, 2025, from injuries. The Inspector-General of Police ordered a probe, concluded without arrests or prosecutions, prompting Falana’s call for SSS action under Oyo State’s Criminal Code.
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Palace Denial and Broader Context
The Alaafin’s media director, Bode Durojaiye, dismissed allegations as baseless fabrications from a misleading video, insisting Chief Arounfale was well-received with no altercation during prior visits. The clash ties to rivalry between Alaafin Owoade and Ooni Ogunwusi over Yoruba traditional authority, with Oyotunji—a Yoruba village founded in 1970—claiming Ooni coronation lineage. No SSS updates as of January 2026; earlier Justice Group vowed global protests and suits.