By Our Correspondent
Fresh concerns over security have emerged following reports of alleged death threats against Mr. Stephen Iyiola, a member of the Community Council Elders Forum linked to the administration of the Shasha Market in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to sources familiar with the development, the reported threats are believed to stem from a long-standing rivalry over market leadership and revenue collection between sections of the Yoruba and Hausa trading communities. The dispute, eyewitnesses say, has lingered for decades and has occasionally generated tension within the market.
Residents who spoke with our correspondent traced the history of the disagreement to the evolution of the Shasha market, where leadership positions were traditionally shared between the two communities. They alleged that for many years, the chairman of the traders’ association was usually selected from the Hausa community, while the vice-chairman emerged from the Yoruba community.
However, the arrangement reportedly changed in 2020 when the Baale of the community appointed a Yoruba trader as chairman of the market association. While many welcomed the decision, others allegedly opposed it, a development that sources claim deepened existing divisions and reignited unresolved disagreements over leadership and market fee collections.
Mr. Stephen Iyiola is said to come from a family with a long history of trading across South-West Nigeria. According to community sources, his late father served as the Babaloja (market leader) and maintained that revenue generated from land allocation within the market remained under the authority of the indigenous community. Those familiar with the matter claim this position had previously attracted opposition from some individuals with competing interests.
Community elders further disclosed that, under long-established market tradition, every Babaloja nominates one of his children to represent the family in the Community Council Elders Forum, where decisions affecting market administration are deliberated before being forwarded to the Baale for approval. Following his father’s death, Mr. Iyiola reportedly retained that representative role.
The tension reportedly took a tragic turn on June 26, 2026, when unknown armed men allegedly attacked the Iyiola family residence at Goshen Community Estate, Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunmen reportedly stormed the residence, leaving one family member, a distant nephew, who was staying with them, identified simply as Johnny Igbekele, dead, while another relative, Mr. Matthew, sustained serious injuries during the attack. Residents said the sound of gunfire and cries for help threw the neighbourhood into confusion as frightened neighbours fled for safety.
According to sources close to the family, the attackers were allegedly searching for Mr. Stephen Iyiola who was not available as the time of the attack, but unfortunately met
his wife, and their children, who were at home at the time of the incident. It was at the middle of the night that the dare devil gunmen struck where Mrs. Olanike Esther Iyiola and her children were molested, traumatised and subjected to indecent emotional distress.
Mr. Matthew, who happened to be a biological relative to Mrs. Iyiola Olanike was reportedly assaulted while attempting to resist the attackers and was later rushed to the hospital for treatment after sustaining severe injuries, Mr. Iyiola Stephen’s wife, his children were also reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack at the middle of the night, the wife had her head partially cut, while the children had their arms dislocated and broken.
The incident was subsequently reported to the police in Ado-Ekiti. According to family sources, an investigating officer identified as Inspector Mike Bamishe visited the scene for documentation and commenced preliminary investigations. Police authorities have not publicly confirmed the motive for the attack or identified any suspects as of the time of filing this report.
Some residents expressed fear that the violence, if connected to the prolonged market dispute as alleged by community sources, could further heighten tensions unless thoroughly investigated.
Family members also disclosed that news of the attack was initially withheld from Mr. Iyiola because of concerns about his health, particularly his reported history of high blood pressure.
The incident has renewed calls for security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the country. Community leaders and residents urged law enforcement authorities to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure that justice is served.
As investigations continue, many residents hope that dialogue, justice and effective security measures will prevent further bloodshed and restore lasting peace within the affected communities.
