Tension erupted in Igbo-Ora, Ibarapa area of Oyo State, on Saturday when a group of youths blocked the convoy of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, as he attempted to leave the venue of the annual World Twin Festival.

The situation escalated when the youths surrounded the royal convoy, demanding money from the monarch before allowing him to depart.

Security personnel initially tried to calm the situation, but the crowd grew larger and more unruly.

In response, security operatives attached to the monarch fired warning shots and deployed tear gas canisters into the air to disperse the crowd and clear the route for his convoy.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, confirmed the incident, stating that no live bullets were fired.

He explained that the youths were street urchins who wanted to collect money from the king. Despite appeals from security agents, the crowd became forceful, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse them.

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The palace has urged residents to maintain decorum during public events and to approach traditional rulers with respect and peaceful intentions.

The Alaafin was not harmed during the incident, and normalcy has since been restored in the community.