Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has again imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ikare-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government.
This is the third time within eight months that the governor would impose curfew on the community.
In May last year, curfew was imposed on the community over violence that erupted over the Olokoja chieftaincy title.
The two persons laying claim to the chieftaincy title, Chief Ogunye Idowu and Chief Sunday Bada, were barred from parading themselves as Olokoja of Okoja.
Four persons were killed and others sustained injuries in the fracas.
Two months ago, another curfew was imposed on the community by Akeredolu, following crisis that erupted during the annual Ikare festival.
Three persons were killed and four others injured in the clash.
Lingering crisis in Ikare-Akoko has been linked to the supremacy battle between Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare and Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh.
The latest curfew was imposed after a New Year carnival turned bloody over the use of Okoja area for the ceremony.
Several persons were injured in the shootout between rival parties.
Governor Akeredolu announced the imposition of the curfew in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde.
The statement said the decision was made at the State Security Council meeting chaired by Akeredolu.
It added: “This follows the escalated violent clash in the town since Tuesday, which has continued unabated, despite the meeting held by the government and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and Owa Ale of Iyometa, Oba Adeleke Adegbite to rein-in their subjects.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure compliance with the order, just as investigations are on to unravel the real cause(s) of the violent clash.
“For emphasis, Ikare Akoko has been closed down for any unauthorised human movement and activity until further notice.”