Ifon-Ilobu Communal Clash: Oyetola calls for peace, as Adeleke threaten Osun monarchs
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on all parties involved in the Ifon-Osun and Ilobu conflict to end the bloodshed and embrace peace.
Hostilities between the two neighbouring communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas of Osun State reignited on Friday, leading to destruction and loss of lives.
In a statement issued by his media office, Oyetola stressed the urgent need for both communities to halt the crisis, which has caused significant destruction, fatalities, injuries, and displacement of families.
“This tragic situation is not only deeply distressing but also threatens the peace and progress we have all worked hard to maintain in Osun State. I strongly urge all parties involved to put down their weapons and choose dialogue as the only viable path to resolving their differences,” he stated.
Expressing his deep concern over the renewed violence, Oyetola extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathised with individuals who suffered property losses.
He noted that in previous crises, traditional rulers had successfully intervened to prevent escalation. He questioned why this recent conflict had been allowed to deteriorate to such an alarming level.
“Peace is essential for human existence. It is always wiser to engage in discussions and negotiations rather than resort to violence under any circumstances.
“The two communities must bring an end to the fighting once and for all, put aside their differences, and continue to coexist peacefully as one people. They should recognise the strength in their unity and diversity, rather than be divided by geographical borders.
“My life experiences have taught me that nothing positive ever comes from communal clashes. It is, therefore, our collective duty to prevent such conflicts by all means necessary.
“No matter the issue at stake, it is not worth the loss of a single life in Osun. I, therefore, appeal to our people to allow peace to prevail immediately.
“As has been done in the past, I call on traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to intervene decisively and promote reconciliation to prevent further bloodshed and destruction of property. The people of Ifon-Osun and Ilobu have lived as neighbours for generations; it is crucial that they uphold the values of brotherhood, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
“If both sides approach the situation with sincerity, dialogue and negotiation will always prove to be more beneficial and rewarding.
“I also urge security personnel to remain impartial, work diligently to restore lasting peace, and ensure justice is upheld in the affected areas,” Oyetola concluded.
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned that traditional rulers in the warring communities risk suspension if violence erupts again.
Following a meeting with security service commanders in the state, the governor approved strict measures and operational strategies aimed at restoring peace in Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun communities and preventing future outbreaks of violence.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, a separate closed-door meeting was held with traditional rulers and community leaders from the affected areas. The leaders were issued stern warnings to maintain peace or face legal consequences.
The statement read: “The Governor cautioned that if violence resurfaces, the traditional rulers of the affected towns will face suspension, while those who sign peace agreements will be held legally accountable if conflict erupts again.
“During the meeting, security commanders deliberated on the governor’s directives and agreed upon several peacekeeping strategies, which have now been put into effect.
“Among the measures implemented are the immediate deployment of the joint task force with full logistical support, the summoning of key figures in the affected communities for questioning and peace agreements, the arrest and swift prosecution of individuals involved in the violence, and the enforcement of the Cybercrime Act to track those spreading misleading videos aimed at inciting further unrest.”
Governor Adeleke also took the opportunity to alert security agencies to what he described as “additional security threats” in the state, allegedly orchestrated by opposition elements to destabilise peace. These, he claimed, include attempts to incite clashes at motor parks, sponsorship of fake local government workers’ protests, and mobilising hoodlums under the guise of teachers’ applicants.
The security meeting was attended by commanders from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Amotekun Corps, among others.
