Esa-Oke/Ayegunle Chieftaincy Tussle: Royal Families Accuses Owamiran Of Escalating Crisis

-Alleged Escalating Of Crisis Defamatory, Unfounded- Owamiran

The longstanding chieftaincy tussle between Esa-Oke and Ido-Ayegunle has taken a new turn, with the royal families of Ido-Ayegunle accusing the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, of fueling the crisis.

The families, who back Oba Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the rightful Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle stool, alleged that external interference has worsened the dispute, creating tension in the community and obstructing the work of the Osun State government’s panel of inquiry.

It will be recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke constituted the panel to investigate the chieftaincy dispute between the two towns in the Obokun Local Government Area.

The panel was mandated to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the crisis, which erupted on January 30, 2025, shortly after the state executive council approved the appointment of Oba Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle.

In a statement issued on Friday, Busuyi Ibironke, spokesperson for Ido-Ayegunle, expressed concerns over what he described as deliberate attempts to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the community.

According to the statement, tensions escalated at the panel’s sitting in Esa-Oke when a large group from the town, allegedly led by one Lawrence Adebisi, stormed the venue in defiance of the panel’s directive that each town should be represented by a maximum of five people.

“The traditional ruler (Owamiran of Esa-Oke) allegedly sent a crowd, including armed thugs wielding cutlasses, sticks, and guns,” the statement read.

The statement added that eyewitnesses at the panel’s sitting described a chaotic scene, with security personnel struggling to restore order as tempers flared between both factions.

It was further alleged that a group suspected to be from Esa-Oke forcefully removed three CCTV cameras and destroyed two while the panel members were still in session.

“The situation was terrifying. They arrived in large numbers, clearly prepared for violence,” the statement added.

A member of the Ido-Ayegunle delegation, who pleaded anonymity, questioned the authorities’ response, saying, “How can such a blatant act of aggression take place at a government-organized event without consequences?”

According to the statement, the Ido-Ayegunle delegation reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who only advised them to remain peaceful.

“We chose to obey in the interest of peace, but how long can we continue to watch as our rights are trampled upon?” he asked.

Meanwhile, residents of Ido-Ayegunle have called on the state government to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

A source close to the panel disclosed that members were deeply concerned about the increasing tension and had reported the security breaches to higher authorities.

Reacting to it, the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, denied allegations of instigating violence and fueling the chieftaincy crisis between Esa-Oke and Ido-Ayegunle, describing the accusations as defamatory and unfounded.

Speaking in response to claims made by the royal families of Ido-Ayegunle, the monarch maintained his innocence and emphasized his commitment to the rule of law. “What I did not do that he said I did, that’s defamation. I respect the law. I didn’t get there now, I can even give you the number of some people to… I will work on it. I don’t know anything about it; we didn’t fight with them,” he said.

“They are the one frustrating the efforts of the state government to restore peace. As I’m talking to you they have put solar on the disputed land which is not supposed to be.

“I don’t know them. I have never met him for once I’m surprised when I saw the report that I’m frustrating the efforts of the panel”.

Oba Adeyemi expressed gratitude to Governor Ademola Adeleke for his ongoing intervention in the crisis, stating, “We thank the Governor as he has been intervening. When he heard, he came to our town and we explained to him. They should help us to warn them.”

He further urged the people of both communities to embrace peace and remain calm while the panel carries out its investigation.