Jamaica’s One Order Gang, entrenched in the heart of Spanish Town, has long been synonymous with relentless violence and criminal enterprise. Over the past two decades, the gang’s leadership has been in constant flux, with numerous leaders meeting untimely and often violent ends. This revolving door of power underscores the gang’s persistent turmoil and the fierce battles it wages both internally and against rival factions.
The Fall of Othniel “Thickman” Lobban
On the night of January 24, 2025, Othniel “Thickman” Lobban, a prominent figure within the One Order Gang, was fatally shot during a confrontation with the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force in Six Miles, St. Andrew. Lobban was regarded as a pivotal player in Jamaica’s criminal landscape, wielding significant influence across multiple regions. His assassination has ignited unrest and tension within the old capital, highlighting the fragile nature of gang leadership.
A Legacy of Bloodshed: Rivalry with the Klansman Gang
The One Order Gang has been embroiled in a vicious rivalry with the Klansman gang, particularly over control of lucrative extortion operations in Spanish Town. This feud has led to a cascade of violent encounters, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and cementing the One Order’s reputation for brutality and territorial dominance.
Notable Leaders and Their Demises
Oliver ‘Bubba’ Smith: A High-Powered End
In July 2004, Oliver ‘Bubba’ Smith, a notorious gang leader, was gunned down on Festival Road near Whitehall Avenue. Shot in the head with a high-powered rifle, Smith’s death was a significant blow to the One Order’s hierarchy. Authorities confiscated his vehicle and uncovered over 800 rounds of ammunition at his St. Andrew residence. Smith, who had been deported from the United States in 2002, was a wanted man facing multiple charges, including murder.
Andrew ‘Bun Man’ Hope: Betrayed by Shadows
Andrew ‘Bun Man’ Hope, once a trusted lieutenant of Bubba Smith, assumed leadership after Smith’s death. However, his tenure was cut short on February 7, 2006, when rival gang members ambushed him on Ellis Street near Spanish Town High School. Wearing khaki attire, the assailants executed Hope, who was discovered dead in his vehicle. Hope’s assassination fueled rumors of police involvement, leading to widespread unrest, road blockades, and arson attacks on local infrastructure, including the Spanish Town courthouse.
Rohan ‘Placka’ Hope: From Leadership to Incarceration
Following Bun Man’s death, Rohan ‘Placka’ Hope took the reins of the One Order Gang. His leadership was abruptly ended in 2015 when international law enforcement agencies, including Jamaica’s C-TOC and U.S. counterparts, apprehended him in Pennsylvania. Charged with false claims of U.S. citizenship and aggravated identity theft, Hope faced severe legal repercussions. His conviction led to a five-year prison sentence, alongside significant sentences for his associates Everton Minott (‘Rado’) and Richard Shelley (‘Ryda’).
Fitzroy “Scuffler” Mathias: A Leader Silenced by Illness
The gang’s leadership saw another shift with the passing of Fitzroy “Scuffler” Mathias on January 24, 2024. Mathias, who had risen to prominence despite multiple run-ins with the law, including charges of intentional shootings, succumbed to cancer. His death marked the end of a six-year leadership period, after which Othniel “Thickman” Lobban emerged as the new leader, only to be swiftly removed from power.
Internal Struggles and External Pressures
The One Order Gang’s internal dynamics have been fraught with power struggles, notably between Rohan ‘Placka’ Hope and another leader, ‘Rotu’. In March 2024, a violent clash in North Philadelphia left Hope critically injured, signaling ongoing internal discord. Despite these conflicts, the gang’s influence remains robust within Jamaica, maintaining strongholds in various communities and expanding its reach into rural areas.
Political Entanglements and Continued Rivalries
Historically aligned with the Jamaica Labor Party, the One Order Gang has leveraged political connections to bolster its operations. Its fierce opposition to the Klansman-One Don gang, allied with the People’s National Party, has perpetuated a cycle of violence, particularly over extortion territories. The ongoing gang war has resulted in significant loss of life, with Spanish Town alone witnessing 130 murders in 2003 amidst the conflict.
The Road Ahead
As the One Order Gang navigates the challenges of leadership turnover and relentless law enforcement pressure, its future remains uncertain. The continuous cycle of violence and power struggles highlights the deep-seated issues within Jamaica’s criminal underworld, posing ongoing challenges for authorities and the communities affected by their reign.
