Community leaders in Esa-Oke, Osun State, have called on the state government and security agencies to intervene in an ongoing boundary dispute involving the Ido Aiyegunle settlement.
- +Osun community leaders seek govt intervention in boundary dispute
The appeal was contained in a statement on Sunday jointly signed by the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union, Yinusa Bamigboye, and the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative, Wumi Adeniyi, on behalf of the Esa-Oke Joint Action Working Committee.
The appeal was contained in a statement on Sunday jointly signed by the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union, Yinusa Bamigboye, and the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative, Wumi Adeniyi, on behalf of the Esa-Oke Joint Action Working Committee.
The leaders expressed concern over tensions surrounding the disputed farmland and urged all parties to allow legal and administrative processes to determine ownership claims.
According to the statement, the matter is currently before a court and is also being reviewed by an administrative panel set up by the Osun State Government following disagreements over the approval of a traditional ruler in the affected area.
“The state government has since responded appropriately by constituting an Administrative Panel of Inquiry. That panel’s report is yet to be released, and all parties are bound by that process,” the statement read.
The community leaders urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions in the area.
“We repose absolute confidence in the rule of law and in the willingness of government to protect its citizens and deliver justice,” they stated.
They also appealed to security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, to ensure peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order while the dispute is being resolved.
“We call on the Osun State Government to intervene without further delay. The provocation being directed at our peaceful people in Esa-Oke demands an urgent and decisive response from the appropriate authorities.
“We are acutely aware that certain elements may seek to exploit this crisis for political purposes, and we therefore call on all Security Agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and relevant military authorities to act immediately to contain it,” it stated.
The statement further called on traditional rulers and stakeholders in the area to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and promoting lawful resolution of the matter.
The community leaders maintained that they were committed to peaceful coexistence and urged members of the public to await the outcome of the ongoing legal and administrative processes.
In February 2025, gunmen invaded Esa-Oke, killing four residents and injuring several others.
On June 19, renewed violence erupted, with over 100 people reportedly injured and several feared dead.
The groups had also rejected allegations linking Esa-Oke to the June 19 incident.
Ever since, there has been apprehension in the community.
