The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the brutal killing of Demola Akinloye, the first son of the Ojomu of Ajiran land, Tijani Akinloye. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon along Chevron Drive in the Lekki area of Lagos State, leaving the community in shock and fear.
According to reports, the attack took place around 12:30 p.m. when Demola, 50, was driving his black Toyota Corolla near the Bourdillon Court Estate gate. He was ambushed by four armed men in a white minibus. The gunmen reportedly shot and stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene, leaving Demola to bleed out on the spot.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the details of the attack. “A distress call was received that a man, later identified as Demola Akinloye, was attacked along Chevron Drive, Lekki. The scene was visited, and one expended cartridge was recovered. The corpse has been moved to a morgue in Ajah for preservation and autopsy,” Hundeyin said.
Residents of the area were left shaken by the incident, with many opting to stay indoors out of fear. A notice circulated by the management of a local estate urged residents to avoid the Chevron, Agungi, and Ajiran areas for their safety.
One resident, Bukunmi Folahanmi, expressed her concerns, saying, “It’s daylight assassination. I am not going to work again till like Wednesday. Although they have deployed some vigilante guys around the area.”
Witnesses described the attack as premeditated. According to a resident who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the incident, the assailants deliberately collided with Demola’s vehicle to force him out of the car.
“When the bus hit his vehicle, it was at the point of coming out to check his car that the gunmen attacked him. This made people who were present at the scene run for cover,” the resident explained.
There are also speculations within the community that the attack might be linked to a struggle for the throne.
A source who also requested anonymity suggested, “He is the heir to the throne. The news around the community is that the act was carried out by those eyeing the throne, even though his father is still alive.”
However, this claim has not been independently verified.
The Akinloye family has been thrown into mourning by the tragic loss. A family member, who declined to be named, described the deep sorrow felt by the Ojomu of Ajiran land and the entire family.
“We were shocked to receive the news of the incident. This was a child the father loved so dearly and pampered. He also had a striking resemblance to him. If you see him, then you have seen the king. The mood in the palace now is not okay at all. Both the king and members of the family have stopped attending to people for now,” the family member said.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba for further investigation. The police have assured the public that they are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.