The ongoing chieftaincy crisis in Osun State has taken a new turn as Governor Ademola Adeleke has vowed to investigate the violent clashes that recently erupted in the Esa Oke community. The crisis, which has left several people dead and many others injured, stems from the controversial appointment of Prince Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle, a decision that has sparked widespread resistance from the residents.
Esa-Oke Central Union, the body representing the interests of the community, has called for the immediate reversal of Ajayi’s appointment, arguing that he is a non-indigene with no ancestral ties to the town. The group alleges that his installation has not only disrupted the traditional order but also incited deadly violence. Reports indicate that the crisis escalated when armed assailants, allegedly dressed in police uniforms, stormed the town, killing four residents and injuring many others.
However, the Osun State Police Command has denied involvement in any civilian casualties, stating instead that seven of its officers were shot and injured by unidentified attackers while en route to quell the unrest. The conflicting accounts have further fueled tensions, prompting Governor Adeleke to intervene directly.
Speaking at a peace meeting held in Esa Oke on Tuesday, Adeleke condemned the violence and reassured the residents that justice would be served. He emphasized that while disagreements are natural, resorting to arson and bloodshed only serves to undermine the community’s progress. The governor warned that no one involved in the violence would be spared, regardless of their social or political status.
“Now it has happened. The palace of the king was affected, including shops. It is unfortunate. I know we will have disagreements, but not to the extent of killing and burning houses. What do we stand to gain?” Adeleke stated.
He also called on aggrieved parties to submit formal petitions, promising to address their concerns fairly. He reassured the community that he was personally committed to restoring peace, even as he acknowledged the need for a deeper investigation into the root causes of the crisis.
“If you are not pleased, write your petition and bring it, and I will act on it. There is no need for you to start fighting because I will do justice to it,” he said.
Adeleke further revealed plans to establish a panel of inquiry to conduct an in-depth probe into the crisis, stressing that he had deliberately refrained from imposing a curfew in order to give room for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
“I don’t want to declare a curfew, that 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,” he added.
At the meeting, which was attended by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, the governor reiterated his deep connection to the town and his determination to uphold justice.
Community leaders, however, insist that the appointment of Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle remains the core issue fueling unrest. The Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union, Yinusa Bamigboye, described Ajayi’s selection as a violation of traditional norms and an affront to the authority of the Owamiran of Esa Oke.
“Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi is a native of Ilesha in the Ijesha South Traditional Council and has no lineage or connection to the families that own the farmland or to the Esa-Oke community,” Bamigboye stated.
He called for an immediate reversal of Ajayi’s appointment, arguing that the government’s decision to recognize him as a monarch was eroding public trust and threatening the unity of the community.
“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,” he said.
In addition to reversing the appointment, the community also demanded the unconditional release of those arrested during the recent clashes. Bamigboye accused security operatives of conducting indiscriminate arrests without identifying the actual perpetrators of the violence.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Osun State government to see whether Governor Adeleke’s promised probe will bring justice and lasting peace to Esa Oke. The chieftaincy dispute highlights broader challenges surrounding traditional leadership appointments and governance in Nigeria, where local customs often clash with modern political structures.
With tensions still running high, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether dialogue and mediation can prevent further violence. The outcome of Adeleke’s investigation and the government’s response to community demands will play a decisive role in shaping the future stability of the region.
Stay informed with the latest news from Nigeria and beyond. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@trendingnaijanews.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more updates.