By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the constitution of a panel of inquiry to investigate the lingering chieftaincy dispute between Esa Oke and Ido-Ayegunle communities in Obokun Local Government Area.

The move follows the governor’s recent visit to both towns in the wake of a communal clash that led to loss of lives and destruction of property. Adeleke, who was accompanied by top government officials during the visit, expressed deep concern over the violence and vowed to get to the root of the matter for a lasting resolution.

A statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that the panel will be chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on House of Assembly Matters, Ropo Oyewole.

Other members include the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Samuel Ojo; a representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Regional Integration, M.O. Oyedeji; and the Director of Staff Welfare, Public Service Office, J. Amusan.

The Deputy Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adeola Ajekigbe, will serve as secretary.

The committee’s terms of reference include determining the remote and immediate causes of the crisis, which erupted on January 30, 2025, following the state executive council’s approval of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle.

The panel is also tasked with recommending measures to ensure lasting peace in the affected communities and assessing the extent of damages with a view to providing necessary remediation.