A violent crisis has erupted in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, leading to multiple fatalities.
The unrest stems from the appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, a UK-based IT engineer, as the new Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle.
The local community had called for the elevation of their district head to the position of Olojudo, rather than the appointment of a new monarch.
Tensions escalated further as the indigenes argued that while Ido Ayegunle falls under the jurisdiction of Esa-Oke, the newly appointed monarch hails from Ilesa, creating a sense of discontent.
In response to the violence, High Chief Adegboyega Ajiboye, the Osolo of Esa-Oke, condemned the attacks, revealing that unidentified individuals had invaded the town and opened fire on several residents, causing numerous casualties.
“The people came in four different 18 seater buses and started shooting people in Esa-Oke. I don’t know the number of casualties we have now, because I am far away from them.”
It was gathered that the district head of the Ido Ayegunle was taken away by the shooters.
A resident of Esa-Oke said “The Governor installed one Ilesa indigene as the Olojudo. So early this morning, a Hillux and a Hummer bumper bus drove in and some people who dressed like DSS started shooting. Some people were even hit by bullets.”
The Police Public Relations OffiOcer Osun State Police command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, said the command is aware of the incident, adding that efforts were in place for the situation to be brought under control.
(DailyTrust)