Osun Crisis: Governor Adeleke Orders Arrests as Community Leaders Reveal Tensions
By [Your Name] | [Your Website Name] | February 4, 2025
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for the violent clashes in Ido-Ayegunle, which left four people dead and at least 25 others injured.
The unrest, which erupted on Monday, also saw seven police officers wounded, with properties worth millions of Naira destroyed. In response, Governor Adeleke expressed deep shock over the violence and praised security agencies for swiftly containing the situation and detaining several attackers.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor dismissed claims of irregularities in the appointment of the new Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle, reaffirming that the position had been recognized as a Part Two Oba since 2014. He vowed that all those behind the attacks, including their sponsors, would face the full weight of the law.
Governor Orders Probe Into Sponsors of Violence
Governor Adeleke has instructed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to expand investigations to uncover the masterminds behind the attacks.
“I call on residents to remain calm. Security agencies are already rounding up the perpetrators, and justice will be served,” Adeleke assured.
Historical Land Dispute at the Root of the Crisis
The conflict stems from a longstanding territorial dispute between Ido-Ayegunle and neighboring Esa-Oke. Ido-Ayegunle chief, Ibironke Busuyi, stated that the town is an independent community recognized by the Osun State Government, despite claims by Esa-Oke.
“The history of violence between Esa-Oke and Ido-Ayegunle dates back to 1995 when our father, the late King Adekanmi Ajayi Aselebe, was appointed as the 16th Oba of Ido-Ayegunle. His elevation in 2014 as a Part Two Oba was resisted by Esa-Oke, leading to destruction and loss of lives,” Busuyi said.
He further alleged that despite government recognition of Ido-Ayegunle’s monarchy, the Owa Omiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, unilaterally appointed Jonfolo Lawrence Adebisi Obanla as the Baale of Ido-Ayegunle.
Esa-Oke Leaders Reject Ido-Ayegunle’s Monarchy
A leader from Esa-Oke Central Union, Oladiti Awodiran, countered these claims, asserting that Ido-Ayegunle is a settlement within Esa-Oke’s jurisdiction. He described the appointment of a separate monarch as a violation of historical and traditional boundaries.
“The said settlement is right inside Esa-Oke, a few meters from Osun State College of Technology. The installation of an Oba on our land is unacceptable,” Awodiran stated.
He also alleged that Esa-Oke youths were being arrested indiscriminately and taken to undisclosed locations amid the escalating crisis.
Traditional Ruler Calls for Peace
As tensions rise, the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, has urged residents to remain calm. In an interview with Radio Nigeria’s Gold FM, Ilesa, the monarch called on security forces to restore law and order while urging his people to remain law-abiding.
The violent clash was triggered by the Osun State Government’s appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle, under Obokun Local Government.
Government and Security Agencies Take Charge
Security operatives continue to maintain a presence in the area to prevent further violence. The Osun State Government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is investigating the root causes of the conflict to ensure lasting peace.
As developments unfold, residents remain on edge, hoping for a resolution that will end the years-long dispute between the two communities.
Source : Swifteradio.com
