Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has drawn a firm line in the sand, declaring that any traditional ruler under whose domain violence resurfaces will be removed from office.
His message was clear and uncompromising: the era of unchecked communal clashes is over.
This stern warning comes as the governor intensifies efforts to maintain the fragile peace in Ifon, Erin Osun, and Ilobu communities.
In a statement released on the 31st of March, 2025, by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke cautioned that the state government would take decisive action against any monarch failing to sustain the ongoing peace and de-escalation efforts.
The warning follows intelligence reports suggesting that certain faceless groups within these conflict-prone areas are plotting another wave of attacks. The governor minced no words in addressing the situation:
“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 security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place.”
He further revealed that security operatives are ramping up investigations into key figures fueling the crisis, emphasizing that leaders must stand by their peace agreements:
“The security agencies are also 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.”
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Governor Adeleke highlighted that the recent relaxation of the 24-hour curfew was an act of compassion to ease the suffering of innocent residents.
However, he made it clear that any attempt to exploit this goodwill for renewed violence would be met with swift repercussions:
“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.”
Delivering his strongest warning yet, Adeleke declared that any traditional ruler under whose reign violence breaks out again would be stripped of their office: “Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough.”
The state government had initially imposed an indefinite curfew in the warring communities following a fresh outbreak of communal clashes in mid-March, which resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions.
However, in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, the government eased the restriction though the governor has now made it clear that peace is non-negotiable.