Panic gripped Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, as four persons were reportedly killed, while several sustained injuries on Monday.
The crisis erupted following the appointment of the new Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle in Esa-Oke community by the Governor Ademola Adeleke.
It was gathered that the men in police uniform invaded Esa OKE community and started shooting sporadically resulting in the deaths of four persons.
Recall that the governor approved the appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle in Obokun local government.
According to a source who wished to remain anonymous, the crisis escalated when the new monarch brought vigilantes into the community and they were arrested by police.
The source said, “The Governor installed one Ilesha indigene, the Olojudo, so about four days ago they bought their vigilantes.
“So early this morning a Hillux and a Hummer bumper bus drove in and some people dressed like DSS started shooting sporadically. Some people were even hit with stray bullets.”
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, revealed that seven officers suffered gunshot injuries during the violent clash.
She said, “Police operatives have been deployed to restore peace. Seven policemen were shot when they first arrived in the community.
“When we heard that there was a crisis in the community, we deployed our men to the communities, then they were ambushed. The policemen were trying to clear the trees that fell on their path when they were ambushed. The bullet hit one of them on the neck.”
Speaking on behalf of the Estate Central Union, Oladiti Awodiran called on the Osun State commission of Police, Director of DSS Osun State, office of the special Adviser to investigate the killing in Esa-Oke.
Awodiran said that Esa-Oke community had in the past vehemently resisted the attempt to install an oba or Baale in the community as the said settlement is right inside Esa-Oke town a few meters to the campus of Osun State College of Technology Esa-Oke.
According to him, “The appointment of a Baale or Oba on another town’s territory negates all logic, tradition and history.
“Esa-Oke is in IJESA North Federal constituency, The settlement (IDO AJEGUNLE) on which a monarch was appointed by Owa of Ilesa is Unit eleven a polling station under Esa-OKE. As I stand here to address you, Youth in Esa OKE are being arrested arbitrarily and are being moved to unknown places.
“Our sons, Hon Oluwole Oke, The chairman Esa OKE Central Union Otunba Yinusa Bamgboye, Lawyer Gbite Adeniyi, Professor Siji Olamiju, Prince Banji Ademiku and concerned family The Asalu Family of Esa Oke as well as host of other well meaning Esa OKE sons and daughters have waded into the matter and the Esa OKE community had resolved to follow the path of law and peace before today’s unfortunate I’m incident.”
