Osun obaship crisis: Ido-Ajegunle disowns Esa-Oke as host community

The claim by the Esa-Oke community that the Ido-Ajegunle land, where the state government installed a new monarch, belongs to them was on Tuesday denied by the people of Ido-Ajegunle, who maintained that the two communities are distinct, each with separate governance structures.

It will be recalled that the lives of four persons were allegedly lost in Esa-Oke due to its indigenes’ insistence that Ido-Ajegunle land belongs to them.

However, in a press conference in Osogbo on Monday evening, the leadership of Ido-Ajegunle clarified that the town has been recognized as an independent entity by the Osun State Government and Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Ibironke Busuyi commended the efforts of security forces in restoring calm in Ido-Ajegunle.

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“It is crucial to set the record straight: Ido-Ajegunle is not part of Esa-Oke, and we are not engaged in any war with them,” the statement reads.

“The dispute between Esa-Oke and Ido-Ajegunle dates back to 1995, following the appointment of the late King Adekanmi Ajayi Aselebe as the 16th Oba of Ido-Ajegunle. His elevation to a Part 2 Oba status in 2014 reportedly sparked tensions with the then-king of Esa-Oke, leading to violent clashes and the destruction of property, including schools and the palace.

Following the passing of King Aselebe four years ago, tensions resurfaced when the Owa Omiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, appointed Jonfolo Lawrence Adebisi Obanla of Esa-Oke as the Baale of Ido-Ajegunle, despite the town already having a recognized traditional ruler since 2024.

“This move was deceitful and has hindered the growth and development of Ido-Ajegunle. However, we sought government intervention, presented documentation, and the state government affirmed our claim, leading to the appointment of our new Olojudo. We are grateful for this justice,” the statement continued.

Despite the government’s recognition of Ido-Ajegunle as a separate entity, the chiefs alleged that Esa-Oke residents have continued to encroach on their land, leading to violent clashes.

“On January 31, 2025, a group of our people were ambushed and beaten while trying to clean up their community hall. We appreciate the government’s intervention so far and trust that the truth will prevail,” the chiefs said.

They expressed their support for the new Olojudo and maintained that Ido-Ajegunle is not part of the ongoing crisis in Esa-Oke.

“We are not from Esa-Oke, and we do not know what is happening there. What we do know is that Esa-Oke people are in Ido-Ajegunle right now, but we believe the government will step in to protect our town from aggressors,” the statement concluded.