Tensions remain high in Esa Oke as the community continues to demand the reversal of Prince Oluyemi Ajayi’s appointment as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged to set up a panel to investigate the violent clashes that recently rocked the town.
The Esa-Oke Central Union on Monday accused assailants dressed in police uniforms of storming the town, killing four residents, and injuring many others. The group blamed the violence on the imposition of a non-indigene as monarch over a community within Esa Oke.
However, the Osun State Police Command denied allegations of shooting at residents, claiming that seven officers were injured when unidentified attackers ambushed them while they were en route to quell the crisis.
Speaking at a peace meeting in Esa Oke on Tuesday, Adeleke said his visit was aimed at uncovering the root cause of the conflict.
He stressed that he had refrained from imposing a curfew on the community in hopes of restoring peace through dialogue.
Reaffirming his commitment to the town, Adeleke assured residents that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.
“Now it has happened. The king’s palace was affected, including shops. It is unfortunate. I know that we will have disagreements, but not to the extent of killing and razing houses—what do we stand to gain?” Adeleke asked.
“After it happened, the opposition and those who do not want Esa Oke to
progress will capitalize on it. I am sure that an indigene of Esa Oke will not burn the palace. Anyone who does that is a bastard.”
The governor vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, regardless of their status.
Adeleke said, “If you are not pleased, write your petition and bring it — I will act on it. There is no need for you to start fighting because I will do justice to it. I don’t want to declare a curfew, which is why I am here today to assess what is happening.
“I just came back from Asaba. I ought to be attending to files, but I am here. You will help me. I want development to come.
“We will form a panel of inquiry to look into the root cause of the crisis. Since I have known Esa Oke, it has been a very peaceful community.”
Earlier, Yinusa Bamigboye, Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union, reiterated the community’s stance, arguing that Ajayi’s appointment violated tradition and threatened local unity.
“Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi is a native of Ilesa in the Ijesa South Traditional Council and has no lineage or connection to the families that own the farmland or to the Esa-Oke community.
“This imposition violates the traditional and historical jurisdiction of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran (Atipa Owaji II, Owamiran of Esa Oke), and undermines the peace and unity of our community,” he stated.
Bamigboye called for the immediate reversal of Ajayi’s appointment, warning that failure to do so could further erode trust in the government.
He said, “We respectfully demand the reversal of the government white paper that appointed Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle.
“This action is necessary to restore the trust of the Esa Oke people in the government and to prevent further escalation of tensions.
“Additionally, we appeal for the unconditional release of our youths who were indiscriminately arrested during the recent crisis.
“The arrests were carried out with poor judgment, as they failed to identify those actually responsible for the destruction of properties.”
The PUNCH
