He ran away from relatives who allegedly insisted he must assume ritual responsibilities following the death of his father.
A ritual-related family dispute has turned violent in Lagos State, after a man identified as Olamilekan Emmanuel Oyenuga was allegedly attacked by members of his extended family for refusing to participate in Egungun traditional rites linked to his ancestral lineage.
Mr. Oyenuga, born on October 4, 1991, was reportedly assaulted at his residence at No. 2 Lawrence Lane, Bayo Kuku Road, Lagos, on December 8, 2024, following what he described as years of threats and intimidation tied to compulsory family rituals.
According to information obtained by NewsHeadline247, the victim had relocated from Ogun State to Lagos in an attempt to live anonymously and escape pressure from relatives who allegedly insisted he must assume ritual responsibilities following the death of his father.
Despite the move, members of his extended family reportedly tracked to Lagos.
Mr. Oyenuga alleged that Chief Alaapinni Oyenuga Liasu and Oyenuga Abiodun, described as senior figures within the family, arrived at his residence on the day of the incident and confronted him over his continued refusal to take part in the Egungun rites.
He said the confrontation escalated into a physical assault, during which attempts were allegedly made to forcibly abduct him and compel his participation in the ritual.
Following the attack, Mr. Oyenuga managed to escape and later received medical attention for injuries sustained during the incident.
He subsequently reported the matter to the Alagbon Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Lagos, urging security agencies to intervene before the situation degenerates further.
According to him, the Lagos attack was not an isolated incident. He claimed to have been assaulted on two previous occasions in Ogun State and Oyo State, all allegedly linked to the same ritual dispute.
The victim explained that his refusal to participate in the Egungun ritual is based on his Christian faith, insisting that he cannot be forced to observe practices that conflict with his religious beliefs.
“This has gone beyond a family disagreement,” he reportedly said, expressing deep concern for the safety of his wife and children, who he said are now living in fear due to repeated threats.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the clash between traditional practices, religious freedom, and personal safety, particularly where coercion and violence are involved.
Mr. Oyenuga has called on law enforcement authorities and relevant government agencies to ensure his protection and prevent further attacks, warning that continued inaction could result in loss of life.
As of the time of filing this report, police investigations are ongoing, and no official statement has been issued on arrests or prosecutions.
