A group known as the Esa-Oke Joint Action Working Committee has appealed to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and security agencies to intervene in a land dispute between the Esa-Oke community and the settlement of Ido Aiyegunle. The group also accused Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, of threatening and intimidating residents over the disputed land.
Allegations of Threats and Intimidation
In a statement released on Sunday, the committee described recent videos and public comments attributed to Sunday Adeyemo as inflammatory and capable of disrupting peace in the area. The statement, jointly signed by Otunba Yinusa Bamigboye, Chairman of Esa-Oke Central Union, and Prince Wumi Adeniyi, Chairman of Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative, alleged that the dispute reignited after the Osun State Government approved an Oba for a farm settlement within Esa-Oke territory.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The group noted that the matter is currently before a competent court and is also being examined by an administrative panel set up by the state government. They alleged that some individuals are attempting to resort to self-help despite the pending legal process. The committee criticized the reported visit of Sunday Adeyemo to the disputed area alongside one Timileyin Ajayi, calling it provocative.
Call for Urgent Intervention
The group urged Governor Adeleke, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to take urgent steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order. They condemned the involvement of a non-state actor like Sunday Igboho, stating, “The act of hiring a non-state actor as Sunday Igboho, and deploying him as a one-man tribunal with the authority to pass judgement and pronounce penalties, is wholly condemnable.”
They added, “A man who cannot intervene when children and teachers are kidnapped in his own state has no moral standing to march into Osun State and wage war in another community. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms.”
Appeal for Peace
The committee called on the Osun State Government to intervene without further delay, warning that certain elements may seek to exploit the crisis for political purposes. They also appealed to traditional rulers in Ijeshaland not to allow their institutions to be used in ways that could escalate the crisis. While urging residents of Esa-Oke to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the committee expressed confidence in the rule of law and the ability of authorities to resolve the dispute. They denied allegations circulating on social media regarding ownership of the disputed land, insisting that such claims are false and misleading.
