The Esa Oke community in Obokun Local Government Area has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to fulfil his promise of constituting a panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis that led to an attack on the palace earlier this month.
The demand follows the Osun State Government’s approval of Prince Ajayi Oluwatimileyin Olufemi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle—a decision that has been strongly opposed by the Esa Oke community. Residents argue that the prince has no ancestral connection to the families that own the farmland or to the Esa Oke lineage.
Addressing journalists in Esa Oke, the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi, reiterated the community’s readiness to present its case and seek justice.
“We have been waiting for the panel of inquiry to be set up so that we can air our grievances and explain what truly transpired. However, the delay has left our people anxious,” Oba Akanbi stated.
He also called on the state government to address concerns over medical expenses and other commitments made following the crisis.
The monarch further alleged that residents of Ido Ajegunle, under Prince Timileyin’s leadership, have been intimidating Esa Oke farmers, preventing them from accessing their land.
“We are law-abiding citizens, but Timileyin and his group have been making life difficult for us. They have stopped our people from going to their farms, and this has led to severe food shortages,” he said.
He also accused the opposing faction of installing solar-powered surveillance systems and CCTV cameras around the villages to monitor movements in the disputed area.
“Our people have been physically chased away from their farms. Today, we held a meeting in the palace and later visited the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) alongside our chiefs. We noticed the CCTV installations, but those hiding in the bush were aware of our presence and managed to evade detection,” he added.
Oba Akanbi urged Governor Adeleke to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Bamigbeyi Yinusa Aremu, Chairman of the Esa Oke Central Union, raised concerns over the delay in implementing the resolutions made by Governor Adeleke after the recent unrest.
He accused the Ido Ajegunle faction, led by Baale Timileyin Ajayi, of harassing Esa Oke farmers despite assurances from the state government.
“Our people have remained calm because the governor promised to set up a judicial panel of inquiry. However, the open defiance of this process by hoodlums is deeply frustrating,” Aremu said.
According to him, the situation remains tense, with continued encroachments on farmland.
“This afternoon, under the directive of our monarch, Oba Akanni Adediran, the Owamiran of Esa Oke, we convened a community meeting. We later visited the disputed site alongside the DPO of Esa Oke.
“This is a direct violation of the initial agreement and a clear act of trespassing. Esa Oke has always maintained ownership of this land, and we will never surrender our ancestral heritage. We are the direct descendants of Oduduwa, and no external force has ever conquered us. Any attempt to seize our land is an invitation to conflict, and we are prepared to defend it if necessary.”
He further warned that patience within the community was wearing thin, calling on Governor Adeleke to act immediately to prevent a potential crisis.
“We have been patient, but we will not sit back and allow this encroachment to continue. The governor must act now to prevent a crisis that could shake the foundation of peace in Osun State,” he concluded.
