The Esa-Oke Central Union, a group representing indigenes of Esa-Oke in Osun State, has accused armed assailants dressed in police uniforms of invading the town on Monday, killing four residents and injuring several others.
Tensions Rise Over Chieftaincy Appointment
The violence reportedly erupted following the Osun State Government’s announcement of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle, a decision that has sparked controversy.
In video footage obtained from Esa-Oke residents, at least five individuals were seen covered in blood, allegedly shot by the attackers.
However, the Osun State Police Command denied involvement in the shooting, stating that seven police officers were injured by unidentified assailants while responding to the crisis.
Palace Set Ablaze Amid Unrest
Addressing journalists in Osogbo, Mr. Oladiti Awodiran, speaking on behalf of the Esa-Oke Central Union, revealed that three vehicles were also set ablaze within the palace of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran.
Awodiran further alleged that the new monarch appointed for Ido Ayegunle is an outsider, insisting that the community has historically resisted the imposition of a Baale or Oba within Esa-Oke town.
“My heart bleeds, and my head aches as I stand before you today to inform you that men in police uniform invaded Esa-Oke, shooting sporadically and killing at least four youths while several others were wounded. Three vehicles were also razed within the palace of Owamiran,” he said.
He called on security agencies and the Osun State Government to investigate the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Police: Officers Ambushed, Seven Injured
Speaking with PUNCH Metro, Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Opalola, stated that the crisis erupted in the Obokun Area Command, prompting the Commissioner of Police to deploy officers to restore calm.
“When they got close to Esa-Oke, they encountered logs blocking the road. As officers stepped down to clear the path, gunmen hiding in the bushes opened fire, injuring seven policemen,” she explained.
She further disclosed that police operatives repelled the attackers and arrested two suspects at the scene. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of seven more individuals, including the alleged mastermind, Olayinka Olatunji Lawrence, known as Obanla of Esa-Oke, and his son, Daniel Olayinka.
“In total, nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the crisis,” she confirmed.
Security Agencies on High Alert
To prevent further violence, security forces—including the Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—have deployed additional personnel to the area.
Meanwhile, Osun State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, urged residents to embrace peace and allow for amicable resolution of the dispute.
