Ifon-Ilobu Crisis: Osun APC seeks President Tinubu’s intervention

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and resolve the escalating communal clashes between the Ifon-Osun and Ilobu communities. The crisis, which erupted late Thursday night, has resulted in significant loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of Naira.

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APC Criticizes Governor Adeleke’s Handling of the Crisis

In a statement released on Friday and signed by Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information, the APC criticized Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing his administration of lacking the political will to put an end to the recurring conflict.

“The deep-seated incapability of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke in handling state affairs is manifesting again with the resurgence of the communal crisis,” Olabisi stated.

According to the APC, the latest clashes have claimed at least 30 lives, with houses, shops, and vehicles set ablaze. Among the casualties, the party mentioned a former councillor, while the wife of the Olobu of Ilobu, Olori Bola, lost her shop to the violence.

Residents Flee Amid Fear of Further Attacks

Video footage circulating online shows terrified residents fleeing both towns in large numbers to avoid further attacks. The APC noted that the long-standing hostility between the two communities has thrown the entire state into turmoil.

“The lingering hostility between the two communities has thrown the entire state into pandemonium,” the party’s statement read.

The APC further alleged that the crisis has been exacerbated by key figures within Governor Adeleke’s administration, who allegedly have ties to criminal activities. The party even claimed that one of Adeleke’s appointees is facing murder and terrorism charges.

“How would criminals on the rampage fear the government when the chief executive of the state has over the period proven he is a lover and an enabler of crime?” the APC questioned.

The party also accused Adeleke’s government of failing to address violence in other Osun communities, including Iddo-Osun, Egbedi, and Esa-Oke, where similar unrest has occurred.

Calls for Federal Intervention Grow Louder

With tensions rising and local efforts proving insufficient, the APC has called on the Federal Government and President Tinubu to take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed.

“We call on the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of the people of the feuding communities,” the statement added.

Similarly, the Ilobu community has made a desperate appeal for intervention. In a statement signed by Pastor Olufemi Salako, National President of the Ilobu Development Union (IDU), the community pleaded for help from President Tinubu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director of the Department of State Security (DSS) Adeola Ajayi.

Salako described the ongoing violence as an organized assault against Ilobu by the neighboring Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun communities. He urged security agencies to intervene swiftly before the situation spirals out of control.

Osun State Government Imposes Curfew

In response to the escalating violence, the Osun State Government, after an emergency meeting with security agencies and community leaders, has reimposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ifon-Osun and Ilobu communities.

The curfew, which will last from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until peace is restored, was announced through a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Friday.

It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke had earlier imposed a curfew a few weeks ago following similar clashes, but the situation has continued to deteriorate.

History of Conflict Between Ifon-Osun and Ilobu

The ongoing conflict is not the first of its kind between Ifon-Osun and Ilobu. The two communities have been locked in land disputes and political rivalry for decades, with violent outbreaks occurring intermittently.

Over the last 18 months alone, the APC claims that clashes between the two towns have occurred at least eight times, yet no lasting resolution has been implemented.

Many residents believe that the lack of decisive action from the state government has allowed the violence to persist. Some have accused political leaders of fueling the crisis for their own interests.

Security Experts Call for Lasting Solutions

Security analysts have stressed the need for a long-term strategy to prevent recurring violence in Osun State. Experts suggest that beyond curfews, there must be efforts to foster dialogue between the warring communities, enforce strict security measures, and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.

A retired security officer, Major Tunde Akinwale, emphasized that the Osun State Government must go beyond imposing curfews.

“Curfews are only temporary measures. What Osun needs is a comprehensive peace and reconciliation plan that involves traditional rulers, youth leaders, and security forces,” Akinwale said.

Similarly, a human rights activist, Mrs. Funmi Oladapo, urged the state and federal governments to provide relief materials and shelter for displaced persons affected by the violence.

“The priority right now should be to provide security, protect innocent civilians, and ensure that those who have lost their homes receive support,” she stated.

The Way Forward

As the crisis in Ifon-Osun and Ilobu continues, it is evident that urgent intervention from the federal government is required to prevent further destruction and loss of lives. The Osun State Government’s handling of the situation has come under heavy criticism, with many questioning its ability to restore lasting peace.

For now, residents remain trapped in fear, uncertain about what the coming days may bring. The call for President Tinubu’s intervention grows louder, as stakeholders demand swift action to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.

While the state government maintains that its curfew and security measures will help restore peace, the people of Osun are hoping for a more permanent resolution—one that will put an end to the bloodshed and bring harmony to the warring communities.