The Esa Oke community in the Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State has demanded that Governor Ademola Adeleke remove Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, whom it said was imposed as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle.
It said that the only way to restore peace to the troubled community is to remove Ajayi, who it said hails from Ilesa, within the Ijesa South Traditional Council, and who it said has no ancestral or historical ties to the land or people of Esa-Oke.
The community made the demand on Tuesday during a meeting with the Governor who had come to them on a fact-finding mission to uncover the root cause of the ongoing crisis.
According to the community, “This imposition violates the traditional and historical jurisdiction of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran, the Atipa Owaji II, Owa-Omiran of Esa-Oke.”
Trouble erupted on Monday, leading to the reported deaths of four people, multiple injuries, and significant destruction of properties.
At the meeting, the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union (ECU), Otunba Bamigboye Yinusa Aremu, voiced the community’s deep concerns over the appointment, which was made through a Government White Paper.
He stressed that Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi hails from Ilesha, within the Ijesha South Traditional Council, and has no ancestral or historical ties to the land or people of Esa-Oke.
According to him, “This imposition violates the traditional and historical jurisdiction of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran, the Atipa Owaji II, Owa-Omiran of Esa-Oke,” Aremu stated. “It undermines the peace and unity of our community.”
Speaking on behalf of Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran, the Iwarefia, Quarters Heads, and the entire Esa-Oke community, Aremu welcomed the Governor’s delegation and expressed hope that their visit would lead to a just and peaceful resolution.
“Your presence here today is a testament to your commitment to justice, peace, and the well-being of all communities in Osun State,” he said.
The community made its position clear: The only way to restore trust and prevent further violence is to reverse the Government white paper that installed Prince Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle.
Additionally, the community called for the immediate and unconditional release of youths arrested during the crisis.
Aremu said, “These arrests were carried out indiscriminately, without identifying the real perpetrators of the destruction. Our youths are innocent and should not suffer for a crisis they did not instigate.”
The people of Esa-Oke expressed confidence in Governor Adeleke’s leadership and commitment to justice.
Addressing the Governor, Aremu said, “We trust that you will take the necessary steps to address these issues and restore peace to our community.”
“We are prepared to work with your administration to find a lasting resolution—one that respects our traditions, safeguards our rights, and promotes the development of our land.”
The community now awaits the government’s response, hoping for decisive action that will not only resolve the crisis but also strengthen the bond between Esa-Oke and the Osun State Government.
Earlier, the Governor urged the community to shelve their sword and allow peace to reign, noting that there can’t be any development in an atmosphere of crisis.
He assured, “I will investigate and make sure that culprits are brought to book. Write your petition and I assure you that justice will be done. I will look into your complaints. I will set up a panel of inquiry to look into the crisis.”
Esa Oke killings: Adeleke orders arrest, prosecution of culprits
