OSHOGBO. Tuesday, 04 March: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has made good his promise to the
Esa Oke people to set up a panel of inquiry to look into the “immediate and remote causes” of the communal
crisis in Ido Ajegunle, a farming outpost of the town.
The governor earlier Tuesday inaugurated the six-member Panel of Inquiry that will look into the “immediate
and remote causes” of the communal clashes between Esa Oke and her suburb farming outlet, Ido Ajegunle
over the appointment of Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle by the State Government.
The State Government had in a release on 30 th January announced the appointment of one Timileyin Ajayi as
the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle. This action riled the Esa Oke community who had earlier installed a Baale and
Obanla to oversee the affairs of the satellite farming community.
By Monday, February 3, crisis had erupted in the community leading to destruction of properties, while
several people sustained various degree of injuries. Armed police were eventually, drafted in to maintained
peace.
At the inauguration, Governor Adeleke urged the six-members panel to be diligent, maintain a high sense of
integrity and an unwavering commitment to seek the truth and nothing but the truth.
The Governor further urged the Panel to listen to all voices and analyse all available evidence in order to
arrive at truth on the cause of the crisis.
It would recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke had promised the people of Esa Oke when he visited the
town of the wake of the crisis to set up a panel of inquiry which would look into the Crisis which occurred
after the State Executive Council approved the appointment of one Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as Olojudo
of Ido Ajegunle in Obokun Local Government.
Governor Adeleke was represented at the inauguration by the Commissioner for Local Government and
Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Dosu Babatunde at the conference hall of the Ministry.
According to the Governor, the Terms of Reference of the committee are as follows:
a. To determine the remote and immediate causes of the crisis which broke out on January 30, 2025
immediately after the State Executive council approved the appointment of the Olojudo Ido
Ayegunle in Obokun Local Government.
b. To recommend to the Government measures that will bring about lasting peace in the area.
c. Any other matter as determined by the panel which will aid it in its assignment.
d. To submit its recommendation to the Government within two (2) weeks of its inauguration.
Governor Adeleke also urged the panel to engage with community leaders, elders and residents of the area as
well as create a safe and inclusive space for dialogue and exchange of ideas.
He assured the panel of inquiry that their recommendation would be welcome by the Government affirming
his believe that such recommendations will lead a permanent solution to the crisis.
In his response, the Chairman of the panel, RT. Hon. Ropo Oyewole promised on behalf of other members to
discharge their duties accordingly.
Hon. Oyewole is also the Special Adviser to Governor on Legislative Matters.
Other Members of the Panel are: Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Security Matters, Barr. Samuel Ojo,
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Regional Integration, Mr M.O Oyedeji, Mrs Ajibola O. Alade repressing the
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice , Director, Staff Welfare, Public Service Office, Mr J. Amusan and
Deputy Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Adeola
Ajeigbe who will serve as the Secretary of the Panel.
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