Socialite, SOCOPAO's Palatial Country Home, Vintage Cars, Others Razed In Mayhem Over Local Obaship Tussle - A Month After Grand 70th Birthday Party

Photos and videos of the wanton destruction of properties, burnt houses and vehicles from the mayhem that engulfed Agosasa community in Ipokia Local Government area of Ogun State, have been circulating in the media since yesterday. Three people have been reported dead following the crisis reported to be connected to the tussle over who is crowned as the next Oba of the town. The biggest casualty however, is popular socialite, Alhaji Akeem Adigun (widely known as Socopao) - whose palatial country home in the town was completely torched with at least 7 exotic and vintage cars, other vehicles as well property in the region of hundreds of millions also burnt - by assailants who attacked him for plotting an attempt to install his choice candidate against supposed general public wish. Attempt was made on his life during the attack on Monday, according to reports. But he managed to escape the attack. This terrible incident happened exactly a month after Socopao's much-talked-about 70th birthday party.

On August 13, 2022, many bigwigs thronged the Whitestone Events Centre in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos as he rolled out the drums in big version to celebrate life at 70. Adigun holds the title of the Apagunpote of Yewaland. He has been a successful big player in freight business for decades. The event was well-attended by top socialites and dignitaries including Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Deputy. K1 De Ultimate was on the bandstand. The attack on Adigun is baffling to many, considering his status as a prominent son and leader of the town who had been so much on ground for years - but unconfirmed reports said political undertone is suspected.

Adigun is a grassroot politician who enjoys a good relationship with past and present Governors of Ogun state. His home in Agosasa, in Yewa North LG, was usually a behive of activities. Although, he is based in Lagos where he has his homes, Adigun's 'Ariori Villa' country home is synomous to him. He has built and upgraded it over the years on purpose, apparently. He spends a lot time there.

According to the story currently circulating in the media, following the death of the first Oja of Agosasa, Oba James Elegbede in February 2022, there have been tension over who would take over the throne. The tussle got to its climax on Sunday when some youths of the took to the streets to warn against the installation of an unpopular candidate as the next Oja. During the protest, one of the youths was hit by a bullet and later died. Some of the irate youths were later joined by other assailants who marched onto Socopao's expansive country home in the outskirts of the town where they wreaked massive havoc. A former council Chairman and appointee of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Isiaka Aderounmu, also had his home and car torched by the rampaging youths.

The case has now attracted national attention, with Governor Dapo Abiodun vowing in a strong statement this morning to bring the perpetrators to book at all cost.