Residents of Esa-Oke, a town in Osun State, have distanced themselves from a recent violent clash in the neighboring Ido-Ajegunle community, calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently act on the recommendations of a peace and reconciliation panel set up to resolve long-standing land and chieftaincy disputes in the area.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union, Otunba Yinusa Aremu, denied any involvement of Esa-Oke indigenes or leaders in the June 19 incident, which reportedly left over 100 people injured and several feared dead.
“We categorically reject the allegations linking the Owamiran of Esa-Oke or his cabinet to the June 19 violence. Neither the king nor anyone from our town played any role in the unrest. In fact, we have also been victims of attacks,” Aremu stated.
He recounted previous incidents, including a February attack on Esa-Oke by unknown gunmen, which left four people dead and several others injured. He also mentioned the abduction of his brother, who had returned from the UK to farm in the area, as further evidence that Esa-Oke residents have suffered in the crisis.
“Three of our people were shot earlier, and despite reporting the matter to the police, there has been no tangible response. My brother was abducted and only rescued through the efforts of local youths and the Divisional Police Officer,” he added.
Aremu blamed political interference for complicating a dispute that, in his view, could have been peacefully resolved between the two communities.
“This matter has dragged on for too long due to political manipulation. What should have been settled locally has now been hijacked by external interests,” he said.
He urged Governor Adeleke to release and implement the findings of the investigative panel set up months ago, warning that continued delays could lead to more violence.
“We fully participated in the panel’s hearings. No one staged a walkout. So why is the report still being withheld? The people deserve transparency and justice,” Aremu said.
He emphasized the need for a non-partisan approach to restoring peace and warned of further unrest if the state government fails to act.
“The Ido-Ajegunle people were originally welcomed as settlers. Over time, they integrated and even intermarried with our people. But when outsiders imposed a king on land that traditionally belongs to Esa-Oke, it became a serious provocation,” he said.
Aremu concluded by calling on the Adeleke administration to take decisive steps to ensure lasting peace and justice in Esa-Oke, Ido-Ajegunle, and the wider Ijesaland region.
