Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a firm warning to traditional rulers in Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun, cautioning that any failure to maintain peace in their communities could result in their removal.
The governor’s warning follows a series of violent clashes in the affected areas, leading to multiple fatalities and extensive property damage, including buildings set ablaze by unidentified attackers.
In an effort to curb further unrest, the state government had initially imposed a 24-hour curfew, which was later adjusted to 17 hours daily to ease residents’ hardships.
In a statement released on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed concerns that some individuals might exploit the curfew relaxation to incite fresh violence.
He made it clear that traditional rulers must actively contribute to sustaining peace or face severe repercussions.
“I have received reports of plans to resume violence in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun towns during the Sallah celebrations,” Adeleke stated. “Security agencies have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure that those responsible for stirring conflict are apprehended. Any traditional ruler whose community witnesses further violence will be held accountable and could be removed from office.”
The governor emphasized that the decision to relax the curfew was based on humanitarian considerations to alleviate the suffering of law-abiding citizens affected by the crisis.
However, he warned that any resurgence of violence would lead to the immediate reinstatement of a full 24-hour curfew.
“There will be no leniency for any monarch who fails to rein in troublemakers in their community,” Adeleke declared. “I will not hesitate to wield the big stick. Enough is enough!”
To reinforce security in the troubled areas, the state government has intensified surveillance and begun interrogating key figures suspected of involvement in the crisis.
Adeleke’s message to the traditional rulers remains unwavering: they must take full responsibility for ensuring peace or risk losing their positions.
