…Osun Govt seizes parcel of land in contention
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
No fewer than two persons were killed and many houses, properties destroyed in a renewed communal clash between Orolu and Irepodun communities areas of Osun State.
Consequently, Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced that the parcel of land in contention between Orolu and Irepodun local government areas of the state has been seized by the state government warning warring factions in the crises to shelve their sword and embrace peace.
Recall that two persons were reportedly killed and many houses, properties destroyed yesterday night in renewed hostility between two warring communities.
The Governor who frowned at the ugly development noted that he has obtained the cooperation of the Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to deploy military personnel to maintain law and order in both communities.
Adeleke made this known at the first edition of the Ipade Imole, a public accountability platform held in Osogbo on Thursday.
According to him, “I am not happy today. These clashes would chase away investors from investing in the state.”
He said, “I have also obtained the assurance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in this regard.
“As a government, we have seized the parcel of land in contention. The Osun State Government has seized that land and I have given the security operatives the order to deal with anybody who contravenes my directive.
“He has promised to deploy soldiers to the affected communities to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Police.
“Anybody who wants to cause mayhem, I am warning them right now to be careful. If it is sabotage, it will not work at all. These clashes are not helping anyone but rather chasing investors away to other states.
“It is sad that lives are being lost daily over what belongs to God and not man.”
Governor Adeleke called on the chiefs, community leaders, and kings to call their subjects to order.
The Governor stressed, “It is not when the government intervenes with force that people will now be complaining.
“A military deployment will be punitive to both communities who have failed to allow for peaceful resolution of the problem on ground.”
It would be recalled that the Osun state government has directed that the curfew continues in order to maintain law and order in the affected communities.
The notice of curfew conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi reads as follows: “Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that the Curfew placed on Orolu and Irepodun local governments continues.
“The Curfew time has now changed to the hours of 6pm every night to 6am in the morning. Human and vehicular movement is to be restricted during the curfew till further notice.
“This is to forestall attempts of destruction of lives and properties during this period, because of the land dispute.
“Anyone caught wandering or moving around in Irepodun and Orolu local governments during the curfew period will be arrested and prosecuted appropriately,” he said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke reiterated the need for peace between these two local governments, and asked that the ethos of Peace, Love and Unity which the state is known for, be imbibed.