The Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to fulfill his promise of establishing a panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis that erupted in Esa Oke on February 3, 2025.
Addressing journalists in Esa Oke on Tuesday, Oba Adediran expressed concern over the delay in the panel’s inauguration, stressing the community’s eagerness to present its case and seek justice following the deadly clash with the neighboring Ido-Ajegunle community over a land dispute.
The traditional ruler praised Governor Adeleke’s swift intervention, particularly his pledge to cover medical expenses for those injured and to support individuals arrested during the conflict.
However, he noted that the community was still awaiting the promised panel and other commitments made by the governor.
“We have been waiting for the panel of inquiry to be set up so that we can present our grievances and explain what truly happened. We are law-abiding citizens, but Timileyin and his group have been troubling us in Ido-Ajegunle. They have prevented our children from going to the farm, and we are suffering from hunger.”
The monarch also alleged that Ido-Ajegunle had installed solar-powered surveillance systems and CCTV cameras around the villages, heightening tensions in the area.
“Our people have been physically chased away from their farms. Today, we held a meeting in the palace and later visited the DPO along with our chiefs. We saw the CCTV installations, but those hiding in the bush were aware of our presence and evaded detection.”
Oba Adediran reiterated the peaceful nature of the Esa Oke community, insisting they had no desire for violence but urging the governor to intervene and curb the alleged activities of the Ido-Ajegunle group.
“We want peace, but this intimidation must stop,” he urged. “Governor Adeleke must ensure that the group ceases their activities in the area to prevent further escalation.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Esa Oke Central Union, Bamigbeyi Aremu, voiced frustration over the delay in implementing resolutions made by Governor Adeleke following the crisis.
He described the situation as still tense, accusing Ido-Ajegunle’s leadership, under Baale Timileyin Ajayi, of continuing harassment against Esa Oke farmers.
“Our people have remained calm because the governor assured us that a judicial panel of inquiry would be set up,” Aremu said. “However, the open abuse of this process by hoodlums has left us deeply frustrated.”
Aremu disclosed that a community meeting was held earlier in the day, following which local leaders visited the disputed land alongside the Divisional Police Officer of Esa Oke.
“This is a direct violation of the initial agreement and a trespass on our farmland. Esa Oke has always laid claim to this land, and we will never surrender our ancestral heritage.”
He warned that the community’s patience was wearing thin and urged Governor Adeleke to act swiftly to prevent further conflict.
“We have been patient, but we will not sit back and allow this encroachment to continue. The governor must act now to prevent a crisis that could shake the foundation of peace in the state.”