Communal crisis: Adeleke imposes new curfew in Ilobu, Ifon
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Following a resurgence of the crisis between the warring communities of Ilobu and Ifon, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared a new 12 hours curfew until lasting peace is restored.
It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke recently lifted the ban on curfew in the two communities a couple of weeks ago, following the outbreak of incessant communal clashes.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said that there would be no movement from 6AM to 6PM, effective from Friday until further notice.
According to statement, the new time frame, 6 PM to 6 AM, was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, where Governor Adeleke was quoted as expressing dissatisfaction over the resurgence of the crisis in the warring communities.
“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.
“To this end, the Governor has directed that the initial 10PM to 4AM curfew now be extended to 6PM to 6AM, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice.
“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.”
“In addition, the Governor has directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, 22nd March 2025, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict.
“Finally, His Excellency urges all sons and daughters of the two communities, as well as their traditional rulers, to follow the path of peace and harmonious co-existence. Anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom will be dealt with accordingly.”
