Several people have been reportedly killed in the violent clashes in Esa-Oke, a town in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, following the controversial appointment of a new monarch by the state government.
The unrest began after Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, an IT engineer based in the United Kingdom, was appointed as the new Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle, a title that represents the traditional ruler of the Ido Ayegunle district.
This decision has sparked significant outrage among the local residents, who argue that their own district head should have been promoted to the position instead of an outsider.
The residents have expressed their concerns that the state government appointed someone from Ilesa, a neighboring town, despite Ido Ayegunle being considered part of the larger Esa-Oke region.
The locals believe that this decision undermines their traditions and marginalizes their own leaders. As a result, tensions between the two factions grew rapidly, leading to a violent outburst.
The violence took a deadly turn when a group of armed individuals arrived in four 18-seater buses and began shooting indiscriminately in Esa-Oke. According to High Chief Adegboyega Ajiboye, the Osolo of Esa-Oke, the attackers shot several people as they stormed the town.
“The people came in four different 18-seater buses and started shooting people in Esa-Oke. I don’t know the number of casualties we have now, because I am far away from them,” the traditional ruler told DAILY TRUST.
It was also reported that the district head of Ido Ayegunle was abducted by the attackers during the assault. Residents of the area described the attackers as dressed in clothing resembling that of security personnel, possibly the DSS, and noted that vehicles such as a Hillux and a Hummer bus were used during the raid.
“The Governor installed one Ilesa indigene as the Olojudo. So early this morning, a Hillux and a Hummer bumper bus drove in and some people who dressed like DSS started shooting. Some people were even hit by bullets,” a resident said.
The situation has drawn significant concern from the state authorities, with the Osun State Police spokesperson, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, confirming that they are aware of the crisis. She assured that efforts were underway to restore order and bring the situation under control, though the full extent of the casualties has yet to be confirmed.
