Governor Adeleke Threatens To Dethrone Monarchs Over Communal Clash

Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Ifon and Ilobu communities following a communal clash over a land dispute.

He also issued a threat to suspend the traditional rulers in the affected areas if the violence continues.

The crisis, which later spread to Erin-Osun, claimed three lives, left 30 people with gunshot wounds, displaced over 100,000 residents, and destroyed properties worth more than N2 billion.

In an effort to restore peace, Governor Adeleke met with the traditional rulers of the warring communities—the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan. During the meeting, he warned that they risk being dethroned if violence continues in their domains. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stated:

“The governor has threatened to suspend the traditional rulers of the affected towns if violence resurfaces. Those who sign peace agreements will also face legal consequences if communal confrontations reoccur.”

The curfew is being strictly enforced by security forces, including the military and DSS. High Chief Leke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, confirmed that authorities swiftly responded when some individuals attempted to breach the curfew by setting houses on fire in Bobamu-Ori-Oke and Ayedaade areas of Ilobu.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Abuja, Oluremi Omowaiye, has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent aid to displaced residents. He criticized the Osun State Government for failing to set up relief camps or provide support more than 72 hours after the clashes began.

“These people should be treated better. I find it hard to believe that the concerned authorities have not yet taken action,” Omowaiye lamented.

As tensions persist, stakeholders, including the Olufon of Ifon, have urged all parties to embrace peace and allow mediation efforts to resolve the dispute.