diff --git a/package/libev/libev.mk b/package/libev/libev.mk
index a6ff3a92cb..dc428583fc 100644
--- a/package/libev/libev.mk
+++ b/package/libev/libev.mk
@@ -10,4 +10,11 @@ LIBEV_INSTALL_STAGING = YES
 LIBEV_LICENSE = BSD-2c or GPLv2+
 LIBEV_LICENSE_FILES = LICENSE
 
+# The 'compatibility' event.h header conflicts with libevent
+# It's completely unnecessary for BR packages so remove it
+define LIBEV_DISABLE_EVENT_H_INSTALL
+	$(SED) 's/ event.h//' $(@D)/Makefile.in
+endef
+LIBEV_POST_PATCH_HOOKS += LIBEV_DISABLE_EVENT_H_INSTALL
+
 $(eval $(autotools-package))