Many feared dead as gunmen attack Osun community over throne dispute

Violence has erupted in Esa-Oke, a town in Obokun LGA of Osun state, following the appointment of a new traditional ruler.

The unrest began after the state government named Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle.

However, local residents rejected his appointment, arguing that their district head should have been elevated instead.

They also claimed that Ajayi, whom they allege is from Ilesa, is not eligible to rule over their community, which they say falls under Esa-Oke.

Tensions escalated on Monday when gunmen arrived in the town, opening fire and causing multiple casualties.

Several people were reportedly killed, and many others were left injured. Images circulating on social media show men dressed in black disembarking from multiple 18-seater buses, raising fears of further violence.

“Can the state government just declare a state of emergency in Esa Oke or deploy enough security to the town,” a concerned member of the state wrote on X.

“With the information on the ground, what we are seeing now, might be a child’s play compared to what is to come.”

Efforts to get a reaction from the Osun police command were unsuccessful, as Yemisi Opalola, the command’s spokesperson, did not respond to calls and messages from TheCable.