Four Killed, Seven Policemen Injured in Osun Chieftaincy Clash

A violent clash in Esa-Oke town of Osun State, on Monday has  left four people dead and seven policemen injured. The crisis erupted over the appointment of a new traditional ruler in the community.

The Esa-Oke Central Union accused men in police uniforms of shooting four residents and injuring many others. They claimed the unrest started after the government named Prince Timileyin Ajayi as Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle.

Footage from the community showed five bloodied victims allegedly shot by the assailants. Three vehicles were also set ablaze at the palace of Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran.

Speaking to journalists, union representative Oladiti Awodiran condemned the appointment, arguing that the new ruler was a stranger and that Esa-Oke had never accepted a separate monarchy within its territory.

Awodiran called on security agencies and the Osun State Government to investigate the killings and bring those responsible to justice. He also alleged that local youths were being arrested arbitrarily.

However, the Osun State Police Command denied involvement in the shootings, claiming its officers were ambushed while responding to the crisis. Seven policemen sustained gunshot wounds in the attack.

According to police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola, the officers were blocked by logs on the road near Esa-Oke. As they tried to clear the obstruction, gunmen opened fire from the bushes.

The police repelled the attackers and arrested two suspects at the scene. Further investigations led to seven more arrests, including Olayinka Olatunji Lawrence, also known as “Obanla of Esa-Oke,” and his son.

Osun Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed deploying personnel to restore order in the town and prevent further violence.

Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, urged all parties to embrace peace and allow the government to resolve the chieftaincy dispute through lawful means.