By Gabriella Ogbu
Four people have been killed and several others injured in Esa-Oke, Osun State, following an alleged attack by individuals dressed as police officers amid a chieftaincy dispute.
The violence reportedly erupted over the appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle.
The Esa-Oke Central Union accused the assailants of shooting residents, with viral footage showing victims covered in blood.
However, the Osun State Police Command denied involvement, stating that seven officers were injured by unidentified attackers while en route to restore peace.
During the chaos, three vehicles were set ablaze at the palace of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran.
Mr. Oladiti Awodiran, representing the Esa-Oke Central Union, condemned the government’s decision to appoint an “outsider” as monarch, calling it a violation of tradition.
He also decried the arrest of local youths following the violence.
Police spokesperson Opalola stated that officers were ambushed near Esa-Oke, encountering gunfire and roadblocks. Nine suspects have since been arrested.
Security forces, including Amotekun and the NSCDC, have been deployed to maintain order, while the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, has urged calm and peaceful resolution.
