The Osun State Governor Prince Ademola Adeleke has threatened to dethrone the traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun, and Ilobu if violence recurs in the communities after a period of respite from killings and property destruction in the three warring communities.
Penpushing reports that Adeleke gave the warning in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Olawale Rasheed on Monday, emphasizing that this became necessary in view of amidst reports of planned attacks by faceless groups in the conflict areas.
“In the midst of Sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place’, Adeleke stated.
Penpushing further reports that the statement disclosed that the Governor has ordered the speeding up of the interrogation of key leaders and actors in the conflict, and equally reminded traditional rulers that they would be held accountable for any breach of peace in their communities.
“Additionally, I will remove from office any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough’, he declared.
Penpushing also reports that the Governor said that his administration will re-impose a 24-hour curfew in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun communities if violence erupts again, just at it is recalled that he had initially relaxed the curfew from 24 hours to 17 hours as a humanitarian gesture to alleviate the suffering of people affected by the conflict.
“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew,” he said.
Penpushing reports that it is recalled that the conflict between the Ilobu, Ifon-Osun, and Erin Osun communities is rooted in a long-standing land dispute, while the latest wave of violence erupted on Thursday, March 20, 2025, between the communities, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of properties.
The reports added that violence led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties, while residents fled their homes and sought refuge in nearby communities, as well as number of casualties while the worth of property destroyed across the conflict zones are not yet known.
Penpushing further reports that records indicated that three persons died when the violence broke out, while it is also recalled that the Governor, during a tour of the three communities about a week ago, lamented the level of destruction in the areas.
The Governor discovered scores of houses, two filing stations, and many cars were burnt down, while about four buildings were reportedly torched in Ifon Osun, as well as the three towns appeared deserted as few individuals staying back were seen peeping through their windows during the tour.
Penpushing also reports that at the peak of the crisis, thousands of residents took refuge in neighbouring communities, and they have traded accusations over the renewed attacks and killings in their domains resulting from the protracted land disputes, with Ilobu on one side of the divide and Erin Osun with Ifon Osun on the other side.
The Governor to forestall further breakdown of law and order, imposed a 24-hour curfew on the warring communities and later relaxed the curfew to 17 hours, beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 7 a.m. the following day.
Penpushing reports that the Governor on March 26, 2025 directed the immediate establishment of three camps for those displaced in the communal clashes, as well as provision of food and relief materials to the displaced people.
Meanwhile, the Governor’s warning is the latest effort to restore peace in the troubled communities, which have been plagued by violence in recent times.
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