Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has warned traditional rulers in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun that they risk removal from office if communal clashes persist in their domains.
This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, following reports of renewed tensions and alleged plans by faceless groups to instigate fresh violence in the conflict-prone areas.
“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,” Governor Adeleke said.
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The statement further disclosed that security operatives are interrogating key figures involved in the crisis, and the governor warned that the peace agreements signed by community leaders must be taken seriously.
“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 is not a joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law,” he stated.
Governor Adeleke emphasized that the recent relaxation of the curfew was a humanitarian gesture to ease the suffering of innocent residents.
However, he stressed that any attempt to exploit the curfew adjustment for renewed violence would lead to the full re-imposition of a 24-hour lockdown.
“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,” the governor declared.
Furthermore, the governor urged the royal fathers to call their subjects to order, stressing that the government would not hesitate to wield the “big stick” if peace was not maintained.
“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 warned.
Meanwhile, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring lasting peace and warned against any form of lawlessness.
Residents were urged to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities that could jeopardize peace in the affected communities.
