What was supposed to be an annual family traditional gathering has turned chaos as a Nigerian man, Olamilekan Emmanuel Oyenuga and his family members attacked one another over unsettled dispute.
Oyenuga, born 4 October 1991, was allegedly attacked at his residence in Lagos State, No. 2 Lawrence Lane, Bayo Kuku Road, Lagos by members of his extended family following his refusal to participate in the Egungun festival which is an annual rite of his family.
It was gathered that some activities associated with Egungun traditional ritual practices clashes with Oyenuga religious believe and that didn’t sink well with his family members.
After intense pressure from the family to be part of the ritual, Oyenuga was said to have relocated away from his hometown in Ogun state to avoid problem and live quietly away from his family. But there was a twist of event as the family members made frantic efforts to know his new abode and stormed the place to compel him to be part of the traditional family ritual.
According to information gathered by our reporter, on December 8,2024, the faimly stormed his residence and had heated argument that to turned violent as Oyenuga was attacked by his family member and he sustained degrees of injuries. Those who visited him residence includes, Chief Alaapinni Oyenuga Liasu and Oyenuga Abiodun, identified as senior members of Mr. Oyenuga’s family
Eye witnesses confirmed that Mr. Oyenuga was physically assaulted during the encounter and that an attempt was made to forcibly take him away to his hometown in order to compel his participation in the ritual.it was added that he managed to escape from the scene.
Mr Oyenuga was said to have been helped by a good Samaritan who helped him out of the scene abd took him to the hospital for medical attenstion and reported the matter to the Alagbon Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Findings revealed that this was not the first time he had been attacked. According to him, he had previously been assaulted on two separate occasions in Ogun State and Oyo State after refusing to comply with ritual demands made by family members.
Mr. Oyenuga explained that the dispute stems from his refusal to participate in traditional Egungun rituals following the death of his father, a position he says he maintains due to his Christian faith. He expressed concern for the safety of his wife and children, stating that they are currently living in fear and anxiety as a result of the repeated threats and attacks.
He has called on relevant Nigerian authorities and security agencies to intervene, stating that the situation has gone beyond a private family matter and now poses a serious threat to his life and the wellbeing of his family.