A violent communal clash over a chieftaincy dispute in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, has left seven police officers injured, with scores of residents reportedly wounded.
The crisis erupted following the appointment of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle by Governor Ademola Adeleke, a decision that sparked outrage among residents.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, stated that the seven injured officers were deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call.
“The policemen were sent to restore order in Esa-Oke when they were attacked by hoodlums who opened fire on them. They are currently receiving medical treatment,” she said.
Trouble began when residents of both Ido-Ajegunle and Esa-Oke rejected the appointment of Prince Ajayi, arguing that he is originally from Ilesa and not from their communities. While Esa-Oke claims ownership of the land, people from Ido-Ijesa in Ilesa also insist that Ido-Ajegunle belongs to them.
Eyewitnesses reported that hoodlums, allegedly brought in from Ilesa and armed with guns, knives, and other dangerous weapons, invaded the town, escalating the violence.
A resident, speaking anonymously, explained how the crisis unfolded:
“The fight broke out in the morning when some people from Irojo Quarters in Ilesa attempted to install a king in Ido-Ajegunle. Residents of Esa-Oke resisted, leading to a confrontation. Before we knew it, gunshots were fired, and at least four people were killed.”
Chief Adegboyega Ajiboye, the Osolu of Esa-Oke, also expressed his dismay over the situation.
“The land belongs to Esa-Oke. I don’t understand how they came from Ilesa to install an Oba here. When they first brought him, chaos erupted. Just this morning, I was told they returned and started shooting,” he said.
The escalating violence has forced many shop owners, traders, students of Osun State College of Education in Esa-Oke, and other residents to flee for safety. Reports indicate that the palace of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, is under attack, with cars allegedly set ablaze.
In response to the unrest, security forces, including military personnel, mobile and conventional police officers, operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and Amotekun corps, have been deployed to restore peace.
Speaking on the matter, Oba Adediran called for calm while urging security agencies to take swift action.
“I appeal to my people to remain law-abiding. We must allow peace to reign while security forces do their job to restore order,” he said in an interview with Gold FM in Ilesa.
