Osun Monarch Confirms Arrest of Suspects in Ido-Ayegunle Village Killings
In a significant development, the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Timileyin Ajayi, has officially confirmed the arrest of four suspects linked to the brutal killing of villagers in the community. This announcement marks a critical step forward in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their grieving families.
Details of the Tragic Attack and Arrests
The horrific incident occurred on June 19, 2025, when armed gunmen stormed the peaceful community of Ido-Ayegunle. Wielding dangerous weapons, they launched a violent assault on residents, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals and leaving many others injured. The monarch disclosed this information in a statement released on Monday, February 9, 2026, emphasizing the importance of this breakthrough in the investigation.
“I want the world to know that we have arrested the people behind the killing,” Oba Ajayi stated, highlighting the community's relief at this progress. He further revealed that an Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo has ordered the remand of the four suspects at the Ilesha Correctional Centre for a period of 30 days. This order was issued in connection with alleged murder charges, following a request by the police, who informed the court that investigations into the case are still ongoing.
Court Proceedings and Community's Plea for Justice
According to Oba Ajayi, the remand order was made by Magistrate Adekanmi Adeyeba, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution. The case has been adjourned to February 22, 2026, to await this crucial input. In an interview, the monarch alleged that on June 15, 2025, the suspects, along with others who remain at large, carried out violent attacks that led to multiple deaths in Ido-Ayegunle.
The victims have been identified as Engineer Agboola Sunday, Kingsley Nwagbana, Rasak Adegoke, and Olayinka Sodiq. The attackers reportedly used guns, cutlasses, and knives in their assault, with some victims allegedly mutilated and others burned alive. Oba Ajayi described Ido-Ayegunle as a community “bleeding” from the loss of innocent lives, including fathers and youths who should have been protected rather than killed.
“Innocent life has been taken in Ido-Ayegunle—fathers, youths and people who deserve protection, not death. The killings have brought fear, grief and unanswered questions into my land,” he lamented. The traditional ruler stressed that the community is not seeking revenge but justice, which he defined as a thorough investigation, accountability for those responsible, and assurance of safety for residents.
Broader Context and Calls for Intervention
Oba Ajayi called on security agencies, government authorities, and leaders both within and outside Nigeria to intervene and ensure lasting peace. He noted that rural communities like Ido-Ayegunle also deserve protection and emphasized the importance of justice in restoring normalcy. “The lives of rural communities matter. The lives of Ido-Ayegunle people matter. Let justice speak for the dead, protect the living and restore peace to our land,” he added.
The monarch also alleged repeated attacks on the community, accusing neighbouring Esa-Oke of aggression and insisting that the people of Ido-Ayegunle have a right to live on their ancestral land. “I don’t want the Esa-Oke people to continue killing us. We have every right to live on our ancestral land. We have proof that this land belongs to us,” he asserted.
Victims' Profiles and Community's Hope for Peace
Appealing to the media and the international community, Oba Ajayi described the victims as ordinary, peaceful people who were killed while trying to earn a living. He identified them as a plumber, a tiler, an investor, and a bricklayer, noting that one was a 65-year-old investor who had come to establish a poultry farm in the community. “Another was a bricklayer working for me on a community project. Because I am a new king, I started some projects for my people, and they killed the worker on that project. Most of those murdered were workers who came simply to work,” Ajayi explained.
Despite the tragedy, the monarch assured residents that peace will return, vowing to continue pressing for justice. “I want to assure my people that, by God’s grace, peace will be restored. Life will return to normal. We are still calling for justice, and we will not stop until justice is served,” he said. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of security and justice in rural areas, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
