Violence and upheaval have shaped Spanish Town’s One Order Gang from its inception, and few places in Jamaica have borne witness to such cycles of leadership change. The gang’s reputation rests on extortion, narcotics, and ruthless clashes with rival factions—especially the feared Klansman group. Over the last two decades, a parade of “dons” has ascended to power in One Order, only to see their reigns end abruptly in prison cells, hailstorms of gunfire, or both.
Recent tensions within One Order resurfaced when Othniel “Thickman” Lobban was killed during an alleged face-off with the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force. Lobban was known for his widespread connections within Jamaica’s criminal underbelly. His death reverberated through the old capital, fueling anger and concern that more bloodshed could follow.
Below is a condensed history of One Order’s former figureheads, each fated to exit the stage in dramatic, and often brutal, fashion:
The Gang’s Gruesome Roll Call
- Oliver “Bubba” Smith (2004)
Smith, notorious for his cruelty and deported from the United States in 2002, rose quickly within One Order’s ranks. His leadership ended one night on Festival Road, off Whitehall Avenue in St. Andrew, when he was shot in the head with a high-powered rifle. Police later seized hundreds of rounds of ammunition at the upscale residence he had rented. - Andrew “Bun Man” Hope (2006)
Hope inherited the gang’s top spot after Smith’s death. He managed to escape death once when unknown attackers opened fire on his vehicle. However, his luck ran out near the Spanish Town High School, where uniformed assailants ambushed him, leaving him slumped over the steering wheel of his car. His killing ignited rumors that security forces were involved, sparking protests, blocked roads, and the torching of the local courthouse. - Rohan “Placka” Hope (2015)
Following his brother Bun Man’s murder, Placka became One Order’s new boss. International cooperation among police agencies resulted in his arrest in Pennsylvania, where authorities discovered fake IDs, firearms, and narcotics. Convicted for identity theft and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, he received a five-year prison sentence. Despite legal setbacks, Placka allegedly continued exerting influence from behind bars, with trusted individuals overseeing the gang’s day-to-day dealings back in Jamaica. - Fitzroy “Scuffler” Mathias (2024)
Mathias, also known as Scuffler, skillfully rose through the ranks, outmaneuvering rivals to hold sway over One Order for nearly six years. While he faced multiple criminal charges—including a high-profile murder case—he eventually secured bail and regained control of the gang’s local interests. His tenure ended not by a bullet but by illness: he passed away from cancer in early 2024. Shortly thereafter, another prominent figure, Sheldon “Termite” Walters, was killed by law enforcement during an unrelated crackdown.
Intensifying Rivalries and Political Undercurrents
One Order’s deep-seated feud with the Klansman gang—each group rumored to have ties to rival political parties—has ravaged communities across Spanish Town. Battles over extortion rights have turned bustling markets and public thoroughfares into war zones, leaving a staggering toll of casualties in their wake. At times, the conflict has spilled outside of Jamaica entirely, as seen by a 2024 shootout in North Philadelphia involving individuals linked to One Order.
Despite these blows to its leadership, One Order remains rooted in neighborhoods like Tawes Pen, Ellerslie Pen, Shelter Rock, and Homestead. The gang’s capacity to reorganize, collaborate with other underworld groups, and exploit illicit revenue streams suggests its influence is not likely to wane anytime soon.
With Othniel “Thickman” Lobban now among the many who have fallen, observers wonder who might attempt to fill the power vacuum—and for how long. As history shows, even the most formidable One Order figureheads rarely stay at the top for long, making the gang’s leadership a precarious perch in an enduring cycle of violence.
