Five arrested as police probe assault on beer parlour owner in Osun
Five Arrested in Iwo Assault Incident
The Osun State Police Command announced the arrest of five individuals following an incident involving assault and public disorder at the Ori-Eru junction in Iwo.
The police issued a statement on Tuesday, attributed to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, indicating that the arrests were made in response to claims of inadequate police action surrounding the incident. These claims were reportedly made by human rights activist Nurudeen Ibraheem and the family of the victim, Ibironke Arowolo.
According to the statement, the initial report of assault was filed at the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters by Ayetimiyi Oluwakemi against Ajani Saheed. The case was subsequently referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough inquiry into the events that transpired.
The investigation revealed that the incident arose from a longstanding dispute between two factions of commercial motorcyclists vying for customers at the Ori-Eru junction. Saheed, a 41-year-old hotel owner, allegedly supported one faction, while Arowolo, who owns a nearby beer parlour, was associated with the opposing group.
The dispute escalated on September 6, 2026, during attempts to mediate a resolution. Police allege that during the confrontation, Saheed was struck on the head with a broken bottle by 16-year-old Samuel Ayetimiyi. Following this incident, Saheed’s supporters, identified as Sodiq Yusuf and Olagoke Kolawole, reportedly attacked Arowolo’s shop in retaliation, resulting in Arowolo sustaining injuries that required hospital treatment.
Doris Ayetimiyi, 19, Arowolo’s daughter, was also involved in the altercation, engaging with customers present at the shop. Several other participants in the conflict are still at large.
The five individuals taken into custody include Yusuf, 36; Kolawole, 35; Saheed, 41; Samuel Ayetimiyi, 16; and Doris Ayetimiyi, 19. They are facing charges related to assault, breach of the peace, and affray. The police stated that they would be prosecuted following the completion of the investigation.
