At least four people were reportedly killed and many others injured following violent clashes in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State. The unrest erupted over the Osun State government’s appointment of a monarch for Ido-Ajegunle.

Tensions flared after the state government announced Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the new monarch, a decision that reportedly bypassed the approval of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke.

Violence broke out on Monday when armed men in police uniforms allegedly stormed Esa-Oke, firing shots as they attempted to enter the community. Local youths resisted their entry, leading to a confrontation.

According to the Osun State Police Command, at least seven officers were injured in the clash. Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola stated that officers were deployed to restore order and assured residents that peace would soon return.

However, the Esa-Oke community accused the state government of fueling the crisis by imposing an outsider as their monarch. Speaking in Osogbo on Tuesday, Mr. Oladiti Awodiran, representing the Esa-Oke Central Union, condemned the incident.

“With utmost regret and profound sadness, I must inform you that men in police uniform invaded the Esa-Oke community, firing sporadically. This led to the deaths of at least four youths, while several others were wounded,” Awodiran said.

He blamed the violence on Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to appoint a “stranger” as the Oba or Baale of a community within Esa-Oke, sparking outrage among residents.