A high chief in Ondo State has been shot dead in what locals described as an accidental discharge during traditional funeral rites in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, while the high chief and his colleagues were performing traditional rites for a late member of their community.
Shooting During Traditional Rites
According to Channels Television, the funeral ceremony turned tragic when a yet-to-be-identified person carrying a firearm reportedly discharged the weapon, fatally hitting the high chief. Eyewitnesses at the ceremony said the shooting appeared to have been accidental, although details surrounding how the firearm was discharged remain unclear.
The incident reportedly caused tension at the ceremony as residents struggled to come to terms with the sudden death of the traditional title holder.
Police Confirm Arrest
The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident on Tuesday. Jimoh said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that a detailed investigation had commenced to establish what led to the shooting.
The police are expected to determine how the firearm came to be discharged and whether the incident was purely accidental. The investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the high chief's death and to ensure accountability.
