The lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wole Oke has expressed profound grief over the tragic violence that erupted in Esa Oke on Monday, resulting in loss of lives and injuries to members of the community.
Oke also commended security operatives for their swift intervention, which aided in curtailing further escalation of the crisis.
In a statement issued by the Public and Media Communication Unit, Ijesa North Federal Constituency Office on Tuesday, Oke said, “We owe gratitude to our security agencies for their prompt and decisive action.”
Oke, who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, in the statement condemned the senseless killings, declaring, “The same blood flows in all of us. Violence is never justified. As a community and a large family, we must stop this senseless violence.”
While stressing the imperative of identifying and prosecuting perpetrators under the law, he called for an impartial investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident adding that, “Justice must prevail for the victims and their families.” he asserted.
Extending condolences to bereaved families and those injured, Oke lamented, “I share in their grief. These losses are monumental for Esa-Oke and Osun State.”
He urged calm and restraint, emphasising the need for peace while awaiting decisive government action at the State and Federal levels and advised aggrieved parties to adhere to lawful channels for resolving disputes.
He encouraged aggrieved parties to make appeals to the Governor or seek legal redress through the courts if necessary, reiterating that violence or self-help was never an option
He also called for the immediate release of individuals unjustly detained during the crisis and urged authorities to provide free medical treatment for the injured.
“Rather than resorting to violence, all stakeholders must follow due process in matters of chieftaincy and traditional leadership. No life should be lost needlessly. Together,we must build a future where every life is cherished, and communities thrive in peace and harmony.”
DAILY POST reported that violence clashes broke out early on Monday morning in Ido-Ayegunle as a result of the state government’s decision to appoint Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle, in Obokun local government area of Osun State.
As of the time the smoke cleared on Monday, four persons have died, twenty-five persons and seven police personnel sustained injuries and properties worth millions of Naira had been destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the deadly attacks on Ido-Ayegunle community no matter their status in the society.
