The Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi, has called on the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to fulfil his promise of setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis that occurred in Esa Oke on February 3, 2025.
Addressing journalists in Esa Oke on Tuesday, the monarch expressed concern over the delay in the panel’s inauguration, stating that the community is eager to present its case and seek justice over the recent deadly clash between the town and Ido-Ajegunle community over land dispute.
Oba Akanbi commended Governor Adeleke for his prompt intervention, particularly his pledge to cover the medical expenses of those injured and to support those arrested.
However, he emphasised that the community remains expectant of the promised panel of inquiry, medical expenses and among others.
The traditional ruler said, “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 has been installing solar-powered surveillance systems and CCTV cameras around the villages to monitor activities.
He said, “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.”
kanbi reiterated that the people of Esa Oke are peace-loving and do not wish to resort to violence.
He, therefore, urged Adeleke to ensure that the group ceases their activities in the area to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Esa-Oke Central Union, Bamigbeyi Aremu, raised concerns over the delay in implementing resolutions made by Governor Adeleke following a crisis in the community.
He emphasised that the situation remains tense, alleging that Ido Ajegunle led by Baale Timileyin Ajayi has been harassing the people who are farming on the land.
“Our people have remained calm because the governor assured us that a judicial panel of inquiry would be set up. However, the open abuse of this process by hoodlums has left us deeply frustrated. This afternoon, under the directive of our monarch, Oba Akanni Adediran, the Owa Omiran of Esa-Oke, a community meeting was held. We resolved to visit the disputed location 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. We are the direct descendants of Oduduwa, and no external force has ever conquered us. Any attempt to take our land is an invitation to conflict, and we are ready to defend it if necessary.
“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,” he averred.
