Violence erupted in Esa-Oke, Osun State, on Monday, as unidentified assailants opened fire on residents and security operatives, leaving seven policemen and several others injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, dressed in black and arriving in a bus, were suspected to be hired hoodlums linked to the ongoing dispute over the appointment of a new monarch for Ido Ajegunle.
Some residents, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, claimed the violence was fueled by opposition to the newly appointed royal father.
Confirming the incident, Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, stated that the police officers were responding to a distress call in Esa-Oke when they came under attack.
“Seven police officers were shot.
One of them was hit in the neck.
They were on their way to Esa-Oke when they encountered a barricade.
As they attempted to clear it, they were ambushed and fired upon.
We have since deployed additional personnel to the area,” Opalola said.
The crisis follows the Osun State Government’s appointment of UK-based telecommunications expert, Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle last Wednesday.
The decision sparked outrage among Esa-Oke residents, who argue that Ido Ajegunle is a village under the authority of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran.
They also opposed Ajayi’s appointment on the grounds that he is an indigene of Ilesa.
Tensions escalated last Friday when Esa-Oke residents staged a peaceful protest against Ajayi’s selection.
However, the situation took a violent turn on Monday when armed individuals, reportedly traveling in a bus towards the Esa-Oke Police Divisional Office, opened fire on residents.
Videos from the scene captured several victims drenched in blood after being shot.
A resident, who identified himself as Oladele, linked the attack to the monarch’s appointment.
“Those that shot people are suspected hoodlums traveling in a bus.
They were heading towards the Esa-Oke Police Divisional Headquarters on Monday when they fired shots at people.
The shooting is not unconnected with the appointment of an indigene of Ilesa as the new monarch for Ido Ajegunle, a village under Esa-Oke.
There was a protest by Esa-Oke indigenes after the state government made the announcement,” he said.
Security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have since deployed personnel to the area to restore order.
