…Accuses opposition figures of inciting unrest and spreading misinformation
In response to a recent statement by a group under the aegis of Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative, a prominent community leader and spokesperson, Mr. Busuyi Ibironke, has refuted what he described as “deliberate falsehoods and politically motivated distortions” regarding the appointment of the traditional ruler of Ido Ajegunle.
In a press statement issued on Monday, Ibironke faulted the claims by the group’s chairman, Prince Wumi Adeniyi, and its General Secretary, Mr. Kayode Adedeji, alleging that the Osun State Government appointed a “total stranger and impostor” as king over Ido Ajegunle.
According to him, “The appointed monarch, His Royal Highness Oba Timilehin Ajayi, is neither a stranger nor an impostor. His late father, Oba Samuel Ajayi, governed Ido Ajegunle peacefully for 25 years as a duly recognized Part II Oba, a position fully backed by the Osun State Government through an official gazette issued under the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.”
He emphasized that the current monarch’s appointment followed due process, guided by the customary procedures and legal frameworks governing chieftaincy matters in Osun State.
“All stakeholders were duly consulted, and the process was overseen and validated by the appropriate traditional institutions and government agencies. The claim that the government threw caution to the wind is both baseless and malicious,” Ibironke said.
Reacting to allegations of timber theft and destruction of cash crops, Ibironke described them as “a desperate attempt to incite public sentiment against the government and the new monarch.”
He insisted that the reported attacks on farmlands were carried out by criminal elements sponsored by disgruntled figures within Esa-Oke.
“These thugs are not under the authority of our community leaders. They are being instigated by individuals who refuse to accept peace and the legitimate leadership of Oba Timilehin Ajayi. It is unfortunate that some people would rather watch Esa-Oke descend into chaos than respect lawful authority,” he added.
He also condemned the attempt to politicize the issue, warning against dragging the name of the governor and the ruling party into “what is essentially a local leadership matter.”
“Governor Ademola Adeleke and his administration are committed to fairness, justice, and peace in all communities. Linking this situation to party politics or accusing the governor of betrayal is both unfair and misleading,” Ibironke stressed.
While appealing for calm, Ibironke urged well-meaning sons and daughters of Esa-Oke to shun incitement and support efforts toward lasting peace and development.
“Our town cannot afford another cycle of crisis. We must rise above personal interest and come together for the good of the land,” he concluded.
