By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Osun State has been thrown into turmoil following renewed clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities, resulting in the destruction of several houses and displacement of residents. The lingering communal dispute, which has led to loss of lives and property over the years, escalated again in recent days, prompting Governor Ademola Adeleke to impose a 24-hour curfew in affected areas.
The crisis, which erupted over lingering boundary disputes between the two communities, saw violent confrontations that left many homes reduced to ashes. Business activities have also been crippled as residents fled for safety, leaving a trail of destruction behind.
In a swift response, Governor Adeleke mobilized a joint security task force, including personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to restore law and order. Speaking on the development, the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, stated that the government would not tolerate any further violence.
“The curfew is necessary to prevent further loss of lives and property. Security agencies have been directed to apprehend anyone found violating the curfew order. We call on community leaders to cooperate with the government to restore peace,” Alimi said.
APC Blames Adeleke, Calls for Federal Intervention
However, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Adeleke’s handling of the crisis, accusing him of failing to take proactive measures to prevent the conflict. The opposition party also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter, warning against what it described as political maneuvering by some individuals trying to shield the governor from responsibility.
Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement, alleged that the state government ignored early warning signs that could have prevented the crisis.
“The Adeleke-led government has been reactive rather than proactive in addressing the security challenges in Osun. It is unfortunate that innocent residents are paying the price for the government’s negligence. We call on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure that justice is served,” Lawal stated.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers and community leaders from both Ifon and Ilobu have appealed for calm, urging warring factions to embrace dialogue. The state government has also hinted at plans to set up a conflict resolution committee to find a lasting solution to the age-long dispute.
As security forces continue efforts to contain the crisis, displaced residents are calling on the government for urgent relief and rehabilitation. Many have lost their homes and belongings, leaving them stranded with nowhere to turn.
With tensions still high, stakeholders fear that without a decisive resolution, the Ifon-Ilobu crisis could persist, further threatening the peace and stability of Osun State.
