Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers, stating that any monarch whose community experiences renewed violence will be removed from office. This comes as part of the state government’s efforts to maintain peace in conflict-prone areas.
The governor specifically addressed the rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun, and Ilobu, urging them to ensure that their communities remain peaceful. He made it clear that the state government would take strict action if conflicts re-emerge. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, released this statement on Monday in Osogbo.
The statement reads, “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.
“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.
“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.
“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 statement concluded.
This warning follows reports that some unidentified groups in the affected areas were allegedly planning fresh attacks. The state government had earlier imposed a 24-hour curfew on these three communities due to violent clashes. However, the curfew was briefly relaxed for the Eid-el-Fitr festival.
The clashes, which have caused loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of Naira, prompted the government to take decisive action. Governor Adeleke remains firm in his commitment to ensuring lasting peace in Osun State.
