Communal clashes in Esa-Oke community of Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have claimed four lives.
Seven policemen were reportedly shot in the incident caused by a clash with Ido-Ijesa over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s appointment of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the new king of Ido-Ajegunle.
Governor Adeleke had, after the State Executive Council meeting, approved the appointment of Ajayi as Olojudo of Ido-Ijesa, even though the community had a king.
The Esa-Oke community kicked against the appointment, arguing that they had a king in Ido-Ajegunle which was part of their land, insisting that a non-indigene distinct from their town cannot rule on their land.
A top security source alleged the kidnap of the new monarch appointed by Adeleke caused the communal clash, which resulted in shooting, ambush, and killing in Esa-Oke.
The Esa-Oke Community through Esa-Oke Central Union, Oladiti Awodiran, in a chat with reporters in Osogbo on Monday evening, alleged: “Men in police uniform invaded the community and started shooting sporadically leading to the death of four youths while several others were wounded in the mayhem.
“The unrest was as a result of the announcement by Governor Ademola Adeleke who appointed a stranger as Oba in a community within our town. We resisted the installation.”
He lamented that there was a king in the town before Adeleke made the appointment, saying youths of the town were being arrested after the unrest.
Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi said Governor Ademola Adeleke had ordered investigation to unravel the cause of the clashes and vowed that culprits would be dealt with.
Osun Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola stated seven policemen were shot in an ambush during the clashes.
She said the Obanla of Esa-Oke, Olayinka Olatunji Lawrence, his son, and seven others were arrested in connection with the crisis.
The new king of Ido-Ajegunle, Oba Timileyin Ajayi, through one of his chiefs, Ibironke Busuyi, said that the community and Esa-Oke were not at war.
He said: “We sought government intervention and provided documentation to support our claims that we are not under Esa-Oke. The state government in pursuance of justice affirmed our claim, leading to the appointment of the new Olojudo.
“Unfortunately, the people of Esa Oke have continued to encroach on our land, leading to violent clashes.“
