Violence Erupts in Osun State Town Over Appointment of New Traditional Ruler
Esa-Oke, a town in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, has been plunged into chaos following the controversial appointment of a new traditional ruler.
The unrest began after the state government named Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle, a decision that immediately sparked outrage among residents. Community members argue that their district head should have been given the title instead, claiming Ajayi—whom they allege hails from Ilesa—is ineligible to rule over their town, which they insist falls under Esa-Oke’s jurisdiction.
Tensions escalated dramatically on Monday when unidentified gunmen stormed the town, opening fire and leaving multiple casualties in their wake. Reports indicate that several people were killed, while others sustained injuries in the attack. Disturbing images circulating on social media show armed men dressed in black arriving in multiple 18-seater buses, heightening fears of further violence.
Concerned residents have taken to social media to plead for government intervention. One user on X (formerly Twitter) called for urgent security reinforcement, warning that the current situation could spiral further out of control.
“Can the state government just declare a state of emergency in Esa-Oke or deploy enough security to the town?” the user wrote. “With the information on the ground, what we are seeing now might be child’s play compared to what is to come.”
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Osun State Police Command have so far been unsuccessful. Yemisi Opalola, the command’s spokesperson, has not responded to calls or messages regarding the crisis.
