By Adegbenro Barakat Opeyemi (SIWES Student, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic)
A surge of protests erupted in Esa-Oke, Osun State, the hometown of the late Chief Bola Oke, on Monday.
Led by youth, residents expressed their discontent over the alleged approval of a new satellite campus for the state College of Technology, Esa-Oke, in Ibokun, located nearby.
Protestors, including community leaders, elders, market women, and members of various associations, marched through the streets carrying placards denouncing the relocation plan.
Messages included strong opposition to Prince Diran Odeyemi’s proposal and a commitment to resist relocation at all costs.
In a letter addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Owa-Omiran Palace’s Oba-in-Council blamed the governing council’s chairman for the situation, citing his disregard for the community’s interests and advice from the school.
They urged the removal of Prince Diran Odeyemi and demanded Esa-Oke representation on the Governing Council.
Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, denied the approval of a new satellite campus, assuring residents that no such decision had been made.
He labeled reports as mischief aimed at disrupting academic development in the area.
