PUNCH Metro learnt that the attackers, who invaded Orelaja’s apartment on Sunday at about 8.30pm, warned the 66-year-old to stop aspiring to be the Baale (local ruler) of the area...
The hoodlums were said to be three in number.
Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen, who broke down a section of Orelaja’s window to gain entrance into the building, hacked the sexagenarian in the thigh and hand before they left the house.
Orelaja was said to have reported the matter at the Ilupeju Police Division.
When PUNCH Metro visited the scene of the incident, the chief, who was still recuperating from the injuries, said the men threatened to take his life if he did not let go of the post.
He called on the police to investigate the matter and strengthen security around his house.
He said, “It was at about 9pm on Sunday. My family members and I – about 10 persons – were in the palace and we were just relaxing. The gunmen came into the house and they said they were asking for the Baale.
“They shot at the walls and everyone fled the apartment. They came to me and said, ‘You are struggling with us over the Baale title. You had better stop that ambition or we will kill you.’
“Everything happened in about five minutes. They had initially shot at the bulb so that nobody would recognise their faces.
“They cut me with cutlasses in the hand and thigh. In the recent past, there have been issues with the government ratifying who becomes the Baale. There have been issues about the imposition of a candidate.
“I went to report the incident to the police on Monday. I have been living in this area for about 45 years now. I do not suspect anyone. I just want the police to strengthen security in the area.”
A resident, who identified himself simply as Taofeek, said there had been disagreement over who would become the next Baale of Ilupeju, adding that the government should intervene before the hoodlums hijacked the process.
He said, “It has not happened before that hoodlums will be interested in who becomes the Baale. The police must fish out these hoodlums.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmus, said she would get back to our correspondent with comment.
She, however, had yet to get back as of press time.
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