By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A violent clash over a chieftaincy dispute in the Esa-Oke community of Obokun local government area, Osun state, has reportedly left one person, identified as Clement Ajayi, dead, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
The conflict erupted following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s appointment of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle, a neighbouring community to Esa-Oke.
However, residents of Esa-Oke opposed the appointment, arguing that the newly installed monarch is an indigene of Ilesa, whereas the town is a distinct entity from Esa-Oke.
A top security source in the community, speaking anonymously, disclosed that tensions escalated when vigilantes allegedly brought in by the new monarch were arrested by the police four days ago.
The unrest has since led to heightened security concerns in the area.
“Meanwhile, there the village head who has already been installed, was been kidnapped over the night. So early this morning a Hillux and a Hummer bumper bus drove in and some people dressed like DSS started shooting toward the police station, but people barricaded them.
“Some people were even hit with stray bullets. It was the securities that were shot because others were not armed.”
When contacted, the spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola said: “We have deployed our men to the community.”