The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has threatened to depose traditional rulers in conflict-ridden communities if they fail to curb communal clashes in their domains.
The governor’s warning comes after renewed clashes in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, resulting in deaths and destruction, prompting the state government to impose a curfew.
The conflict, rooted in a long-standing land dispute, escalated in early March, leading to the burning of houses across the three communities in Orolu and Irepodun LGAs.
On March 28, the Osun governor relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed in the affected communities to 17 hours–from 2pm to 7am–following renewed communal clashes.
A statement by Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke’s spokesperson, said the governor issued the warning in response to online reports about faceless groups planning further attacks in the conflict areas.
“In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns,” the statement reads.
“The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place and are speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict.
“I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.”
Adeleke said he relaxed the curfew on “humanitarian grounds,” citing the suffering of innocent people caused by a few individuals instigating violence.
He added that any attempt to exploit the gesture for a renewed violence would result in the full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.
“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table,” the governor warned.
“Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough.”
