Ogunyemi Victoria
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on the Ifon and Ilobu communities following renewed violence linked to a longstanding land dispute. The conflict, which began in 2023, has persisted despite government interventions, with tensions flaring up again in March 2025.
The latest clashes, which have left several people injured and displaced, prompted the governor to take decisive action by reinstating the curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM. The measure is aimed at preventing further violence and restoring peace in the troubled areas of Opapa and Igbo Imin-Esin.
This is not the first time the state government has taken such action. On January 16, 2025, Governor Adeleke initially imposed a curfew in the communities, which temporarily reduced hostilities. However, renewed clashes in March forced the government to tighten security measures.
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To enforce the curfew and prevent further bloodshed, a joint security task force comprising the Nigerian Army, the Police, and the Civil Defence Corps has been deployed to the affected areas.
In addition to the curfew, Governor Adeleke has called for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting involving traditional rulers, including the Olufon of Ifon and the Olobu of Ilobu, to seek a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Authorities have also warned that any individuals found instigating violence will face legal consequences. Residents have been urged to cooperate with security agencies to maintain order, as the state government continues its peace-building efforts.