Four people killed, 7 Police officers shot as Residents reject imposition of Monarch by Governor

Four people killed, 7 Police officers shot as Residents reject imposition of Monarch by Governor

Violence has erupted in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, leaving several people dead in the wake of a dispute over the appointment of a new monarch.

The crisis began following the appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, a UK-based IT engineer, by Governor Adeleke as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle, a title that sparked fierce opposition among the town’s residents.

Locals had previously requested the elevation of their district head to the position, rather than the appointment of an outsider.

Additionally, the people argued that while Ido Ayegunle falls under the jurisdiction of Esa-Oke, the newly appointed monarch hails from Ilesa.

High Chief Adegboyega Ajiboye, the Osolo of Esa-Oke, recounted that unknown assailants arrived in four 18-seater buses and began firing indiscriminately.

He confirmed multiple casualties but stated he was unable to provide an exact count due to his distance from the scene. Reports indicate that the district head of Ido Ayegunle was also abducted during the attack.

A local resident described the chaos, explaining that a convoy of vehicles, including a Hilux and a Hummer bus, arrived early in the morning, with men dressed in what appeared to be DSS uniforms.

Gunfire ensued, with several individuals hit by bullets.

Osun State Police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that seven officers were injured by gunfire during a violent clash in the region.

She said: “Police operatives have been deployed to restore peace. Seven policemen were shot when they first arrived in the community.

“When we heard that there was a crisis in the community, we deployed our men to the communities, then they were ambushed. The policemen were trying to clear the trees that fell on their path when they were ambushed. The bullet hit one of them on the neck.”