“Governor Adeleke Orders Crackdown on Perpetrators of Ido-Ayegunle Violence”

In the aftermath of deadly clashes that rocked Ido-Ayegunle on Monday morning, Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, which claimed four lives and left 25 others injured. The violent outbreak also saw seven police officers wounded and widespread destruction of property in the community, with millions of Naira in damages.

Governor Adeleke, visibly shaken by the scale of the violence, praised the security forces for swiftly arresting many of the perpetrators. He has directed the Commissioner of Police to broaden the investigation to capture the key sponsors of the unrest. The governor also dismissed accusations regarding the improper appointment of the new Olojudo (traditional ruler), asserting that the due process was followed.

In his statement, which was issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke assured the people of Ido-Ayegunle that justice would prevail. He expressed sympathy for the victims of the attacks, including both local residents and security officers. “I urge residents to stay calm as the security agencies are already rounding up the attackers. Those responsible for this violence will face the full consequences of the law,” the governor stated firmly.

The violence stems from a long-standing dispute between Ido-Ayegunle and the neighboring town of Esa-Oke, which has escalated since 1995. A chief from Ido-Ayegunle, Ibironke Busuyi, explained that tensions arose following the appointment of his father as the 16th Oba of Ido-Ayegunle in 1995, which led to years of conflict. Despite the elevation of the new Olojudo, Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, to strengthen Ido-Ayegunle’s governance in 2024, the people of Esa-Oke have opposed the move, claiming the settlement lies within their territory.

Esa-Oke’s opposition has intensified after the Owa Omiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, appointed Jonfolo Lawrence Adebisi Obanla as the Baale of Ido-Ayegunle, a move seen by Ido-Ayegunle residents as undermining their claim to an independent monarchy. Busuyi accused Esa-Oke of land encroachment, further fueling the dispute.

Community leaders from Esa-Oke, including Oladiti Awodiran, have vehemently opposed the notion of a Baale or Oba ruling over a settlement they believe is part of their territory. Awodiran argued that the appointment of a monarch in Ido-Ayegunle contradicts tradition, as the settlement is considered within the Esa-Oke domain, which lies within the Ijesa North Federal constituency.

Amid rising tensions, Oba Adeyemi Adediran of Esa-Oke has called for calm, urging residents to allow law enforcement to restore order. He has also appealed to security forces to ensure peace prevails in the area while calling on the government to thoroughly investigate the tragic events.

The deadly conflict is seen as a culmination of years of unresolved land and leadership disputes, with both sides vowing to defend their rights over the contested land. As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, awaiting the full impact of the ongoing security operations.