A resident of Igboora has shed light on the incident that caused panic at the just-concluded World Twin Festival in the town, saying the crowd that surrounded the convoy of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, merely wanted to collect money from the monarch and meant no harm.
The resident, who spoke with this online newspaper on Monday under the condition of anonymity, dismissed claims that the youths involved were hoodlums, describing them instead as excited indigenes reacting in the typical “post-event” manner common at such cultural gatherings.
According to the source, what happened was a simple case of local youths seeking royal largesse, not a threat to the monarch’s safety.
“It’s normal around here after such big festivals. People, especially the younger ones often rush toward dignitaries or traditional rulers to collect money. It wasn’t violent or threatening until the security man fired that shot. That was when everyone panicked,” the source stated.
The source also faulted the reaction of the security personnel attached to the monarch, calling it “an overzealous move” that escalated a harmless situation into chaos.
“The crowd wasn’t made up of miscreants as painted. They were native youths of Igboora, excited after a joyful day. The gunshot caused unnecessary fear. People only wanted to greet the king and maybe get something from him, as is our custom,” the source explained.
The clarification comes after earlier reports described a tense scene in which the Alaafin’s convoy was temporarily blocked by a crowd, forcing security agents to fire warning shots to clear the way.
Videos circulating online captured the confusion that followed, while the Alaafin’s media aide, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, had earlier confirmed that no live bullet was fired, insisting that the crowd acted unruly and had to be dispersed with tear gas.
However, some locals now insist that the event was being misrepresented in the media.
“People need to understand our culture,” another resident added. When a king visits, it’s a moment of joy. Everyone wants to get close, to receive a blessing or even small money, it’s part of the interaction between ruler and people. What happened was not an attack,” the source added.
The World Twin Festival, held annually in Igboora, the town famously known as the twin capital of the world, draws thousands of visitors celebrating the community’s high rate of twin births.
This year’s edition was marked by color, music, and traditional displays before the brief commotion occurred.
