Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured the people of Ilobu and Ifon communities that swift conflict resolution measures are being taken to restore peace. He also directed the emergency services agency to activate its operations.
Meanwhile, the immediate past state governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged all parties involved in the crisis to cease hostilities and embrace peace.
Responding to a Save Our Soul message from the people of Ilobu and Ifon, Governor Adeleke, through a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Saturday, stated that his administration had re-strategised its approach to resolving the conflict, unveiling and implementing multiple peace-building initiatives.
He said, “I assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the Presidency on developments in the state. We are on top of the situation.”
The statement also clarified that an old video of conflicts in some parts of the state was being circulated by unknown individuals.
“Meanwhile, we wish to bring to the public’s attention that old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun State are being circulated by opposition elements to create a false impression of insecurity in the state.
“While the ongoing conflict is regrettable, and all hands are on deck to end the violence, we urge the public to be aware of the activities of fake news merchants who are recycling old videos to discredit the state government.
“The videos being circulated depicting violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake and should be disregarded by the public.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has intensified efforts to de-escalate the Ifon-Ilobu conflict, imposing a 24-hour curfew, mobilising a joint security task force, and facilitating a peace agreement between the two warring communities,” he said.
In a statement released by his media office, Oyetola emphasised the urgency for Ilobu and Ifon-Osun to end the avoidable crisis, which has led to the wanton destruction of property, loss of lives, injuries, and the displacement of families.
According to the statement: “This unfortunate situation is not only heartbreaking but also undermines the peace and development we have all worked hard to sustain in Osun State. I strongly urge all parties involved to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue as the only path to resolving any grievances.”
The former governor, expressing deep concern over the renewed hostilities, commiserated with the families and relatives of those who lost their lives and sympathised with those who suffered property losses.
Oyetola further noted that in the past, crises were often de-escalated through traditional rulers and questioned why this latest violence was allowed to reach such a critical level.
“Peace is fundamental to human existence. It is always better to engage in dialogue and negotiation than to resort to violence under any circumstances.
“The two communities must bring the fighting to a permanent end, set aside their differences, and continue to live together as brothers and sisters. They must maximise the advantages of their unity and diversity, irrespective of borders and boundaries.
“From my experiences in life, I have come to realise that nothing good comes from communal clashes. Therefore, every individual must do everything possible to prevent conflict of any kind.
“No matter the issue at stake, it is not worth the life of any Osun citizen. I, therefore, appeal to our people to allow peace to reign immediately.
“As was done in the past, I call on traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to intervene decisively and foster reconciliation to prevent further bloodshed and destruction of property. The people of Ifon-Osun and Ilobu have lived as neighbours for generations; it is imperative to uphold the spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. If genuinely pursued, dialogue and negotiation are far more profitable and rewarding.
“To the security operatives, you must uphold professionalism, restore lasting peace, and ensure justice in the affected areas,” Oyetola said.
The Ifon and Ilobu communities have been embroiled in communal violence since Thursday night, resulting in the deaths of three people and the destruction of goods and property worth millions of naira.
As a result of the clashes, the state government re-imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6 pm to 6 am in both communities.
On Saturday, as violence spread to Erin-Osun town, the state government extended the curfew to the area and declared it indefinite.
