Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday, visited the conflict-ravaged communities of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun, decrying the large-scale destruction of properties and the displacement of residents.
The governor, visibly troubled by the extent of the devastation, charged security agencies to hunt down those responsible for the violence.
What began as a boundary dispute between the Ifon and Ilobu communities on Friday escalated into full-blown clashes, spreading to Erin Osun by Saturday. The escalating tensions forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew in a desperate attempt to restore order.
Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, with numerous houses set ablaze. Fearing for their lives, many residents have fled to nearby towns, including Okinni, Osogbo, and Ido Osun, seeking refuge.
Adeleke, accompanied by top security officials, toured Apiponroro, where rows of buildings lay in ruins, and Olobu’s Market, which bore the scars of the violent unrest. Along the way, he encountered clusters of internally displaced people near Ojutu Bridge in Ilobu and along Okinni Road—men, women, and children forced from their homes, now under the watchful eyes of security personnel.
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Addressing journalists after his assessment, the governor praised law enforcement agencies for enforcing the curfew but expressed deep concern that the crisis could deter investors from bringing business to Osun.
“Osun has always been a peaceful state, and I commend our security forces for their dedication,” Adeleke said.
“However, this crisis is unacceptable. When I assumed office, I warned that there could be no progress if communities continued to fight among themselves. Investors will hesitate to come if they perceive our state as unsafe.”
The governor vowed that his administration would take decisive steps to ensure lasting peace. “We are putting structures in place to guarantee that this violence ends permanently. I have directed that all those responsible be brought to justice. Enough is enough—our people are dying, and I will not tolerate this any longer.”
Meanwhile, the Ilobu Asake Development Union (IDU), the leading body representing Ilobu indigenes, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene. In an open letter dated Monday, IDU President Olufemi Salako urged Tinubu to replace security personnel in the area with “competent and unbiased officers” and to order the immediate arrest of “ethnic militias” accused of invading Ilobu.
The IDU also appealed to the Chief of Army Staff to deploy troops to protect the country home of the late General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja and establish a Command and Control Centre in Ilobu to strengthen security in Osun State.
Additionally, the group called for urgent humanitarian relief, warning that a large number of displaced residents were in desperate need of assistance.
