Following recent unrest in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, due to a chieftaincy dispute, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has visited the affected community, promising to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the situation.
On Monday, armed individuals stormed Esa-Oke, firing indiscriminately and causing severe injuries among residents.
During his visit on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke assessed the damage at the Owamiran of Esa-Oke’s palace, where both a vehicle and the palace itself had been set on fire. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining peace for progress and urged residents to seek conflict resolution through non-violent means.
“After listening to your concerns, I will establish a panel to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. My administration will handle your grievances with fairness and ensure justice for all,” Adeleke stated.
He further urged community members to reject violence and embrace peace, noting, “It is disheartening to witness crises in Ifon/Ilobu and now in Esa-Oke. No dispute is worth the loss of lives.”
In his remarks, the Asalu of Esa-Oke, Chief Ajewole James, maintained that Ido-Ajegunle belongs to Esa-Oke, while the neighboring community of Ilesa has a rightful claim to Ido-Ayegunle, as documented in government records. He called on officials to verify the historical and legal details.
Additionally, the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, described his people as peace-loving, stating that despite the destruction of his palace and widespread looting, they refrained from retaliation.
He also urged authorities to secure the release of the Baale of Ido-Ajegunle, allegedly taken by individuals posing as police officers, along with local youths detained during the unrest.
Meanwhile, the community clarified that no fatalities were recorded, countering an earlier claim that four youths had been killed during the attack.
