Osun Crisis: Governor Adeleke Warns Ifon and Ilobu Monarchs Amid Escalating Clashes

Tensions remain high in Osun State following violent clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities over a land dispute. In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew to curb the unrest.

The conflict, which later spread to Erin-Osun, has so far claimed three lives, left 30 people with gunshot injuries, displaced over 100,000 residents, and resulted in property damage exceeding ₦2 billion.

To address the crisis, Governor Adeleke held a meeting with the traditional rulers of the affected communities—the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan—warning them of possible suspension if the violence continues. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stated:

“The governor threatens to suspend the traditional rulers of the affected towns if violence should resurface. Those who sign peace undertakings will also face consequences if communal confrontations reoccur.”

The Otun Jagun of Ilobu, High Chief Leke Ogunsola, confirmed that security operatives, including the military and DSS, have been deployed to enforce the curfew. He revealed that some individuals attempted to breach the curfew by setting houses on fire in Ilobu but were swiftly dispersed.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Abuja, Oluremi Omowaiye, has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief for those displaced by the crisis. He lamented the lack of aid more than 72 hours after the clashes began, urging authorities to act swiftly.

The situation remains volatile, with government officials and traditional leaders urging all parties to embrace peace and strictly adhere to the curfew to prevent further escalation.