Tension In Osun: Adeleke Launches Investigation Into Esa Oke, Ayegunle Chieftaincy Feud

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the establishment of an inquiry panel to address the recent chieftaincy dispute between the communities of Esa Oke and Ido Ayegunle in Obokun Local Government Area.

Governor Adeleke, who had earlier pledged to form this committee during his visit to both towns following communal tensions, condemned the destruction of property and vowed to investigate the root causes of the conflict to ensure a lasting resolution.

The panel will be chaired by Rt. Hon Ropo Oyewole, the Governor’s Special Adviser on House of Assembly Matters. Other members include Special Adviser on Security Matters, Barrister Samuel Ojo; a representative from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Integration, M.O. Oyedeji; and Director of Staff Welfare from the Public Service Office, J. Amusan. The panel’s secretary will be Adeola Ajekigbe, Deputy Director of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The panel’s terms of reference include:

1. Investigating the immediate and underlying causes of the crisis that erupted on January 30, 2025, following the approval of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle.
2. Recommending measures to restore and maintain peace in the affected areas.
3. Assessing the extent of damages in both communities and suggesting remediation efforts.
4. Addressing any other issues relevant to resolving the dispute.
5. Submitting its findings and recommendations within two weeks of its inauguration.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the panel is expected to present its report within the stipulated period.

Additionally, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Dosu Babatunde, announced that the panel will be officially inaugurated on March 4, 2025, at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Osogbo.