By Jide Francis
Society Page Editor
A wave of public outrage has erupted across Osun State following the arrest of a local traditional chief accused of meting out a deadly and inhumane punishment to a young man suspected of stealing two ears of corn. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the chief allegedly forced the victim to ingest a poisonous substance as retribution for the minor theft — an act that has sparked widespread condemnation and demands for justice.
A Shocking Act of Brutality
The disturbing incident reportedly took place in a rural community in the Iwo axis of Osun State. The young man, believed to be in his early twenties, was accused by the chief and some community members of stealing two ears of corn from a farm owned by the chief. Rather than handing the matter over to local authorities or elders, the chief allegedly took matters into his own hands.
Witnesses claim that the suspect was apprehended, tied up, and humiliated in the village square before the chief ordered him to drink what is now believed to be a locally-prepared poisonous concoction. Moments after ingesting the substance, the young man collapsed and began convulsing. He was rushed to a nearby health facility, where he remains in critical condition under close observation.
Police Response and Arrest
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the unnamed chief on Thursday morning, stating that a full investigation has been launched into the matter. Speaking to reporters, police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola described the act as “barbaric, unlawful, and utterly unacceptable.”
“No one, regardless of social status or position, has the right to take the law into their own hands,” she said. “The suspect has been taken into custody, and we are working to gather witness statements and forensic evidence. The victim is currently receiving medical treatment, and we are praying for his full recovery.”
Public Reaction and Calls for Justice
The news has stirred strong reactions from civil society organizations, legal experts, and human rights advocates, many of whom have decried the act as an example of unchecked abuse of traditional authority. Social media has been flooded with outrage, with many Nigerians calling for the chief to face the full wrath of the law.
“This is not discipline — this is attempted murder,” said human rights lawyer Segun Akinlade. “The theft of corn, whether true or not, does not justify such a cruel and degrading punishment. Traditional institutions must never become instruments of oppression.”
The Osun State chapter of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has also weighed in, demanding the immediate prosecution of the chief and proper compensation for the victim and his family.
Tradition vs. Rule of Law
The incident has also reignited conversations about the role of traditional rulers in the Nigerian justice system. While traditional leaders play a key role in community mediation and cultural preservation, experts argue that they must operate within the bounds of the national constitution and refrain from extrajudicial punishments.
“Customary authority does not override the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said Professor Tola Obafemi, a legal scholar at Obafemi Awolowo University. “Any traditional ruler found guilty of such acts should be stripped of their title and held accountable.”
What Happens Next?
The Osun State Police Command has vowed to leave no stone unturned in its investigation. If the chief is found guilty, he could face charges ranging from attempted murder to abuse of authority and unlawful assault.
Meanwhile, the young man continues to battle for his life in the hospital. His family, still in shock, has pleaded for privacy while calling on the government and justice system to intervene swiftly.
As the investigation unfolds, this troubling case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mob justice and the importance of due process — even in the smallest of communities.
