Esa-Oke crisis: Community urges Governor Adeleke to intervene

…calls for reversal of Olojudo appointment
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The people of Esa-Oke in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have demanded the reversal of the government white paper that appointed Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, arguing that he has no lineage or connection to the families that own the farmland or to the Esa-Oke community.
Speaking at a peace meeting, Otunba Bamigboye Yinusa Aremu, Chairman of Esa-Oke Central Union, emphasized that the move is necessary to restore the trust of the Esa-Oke people in the government and to prevent further escalation of tensions.
According to Aremu, “This appointment, made through a government white paper, is a source of great concern for us. Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi is a native of Ilesa in the Ijesa South Traditional Council and has no lineage or connection to the families that own the farmland or to the Esa-Oke community.

“This imposition violates the traditional and historical jurisdiction of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran (Atipa Owaji II, Owamiran of Esa-Oke), and undermines the peace and unity of our community.”
The community also appealed for the unconditional release of their youths who were arrested during the recent crisis, stating that they were innocent and should not be made to suffer for a conflict they did not instigate.
Aremu added that the arrests were carried out without proper investigation, failing to identify those actually responsible for the destruction of properties.

In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who visited the town to assess the situation, announced that his administration would constitute a panel of inquiry to investigate the root cause of the crisis.
Adeleke assured the community that perpetrators would be brought to justice, regardless of their status.
He also urged residents to embrace peace, stating that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict.
It would be recalled that four lives were lost during the violent clash on Monday. Properties were also destroyed, including the car and palace of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran (Atipa Owaji II).