Adeleke Imposes Fresh Curfew on Warring Osun Communities Amid Renewed Clashes

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a fresh curfew on the warring Ilobu and Ifon communities following renewed violent clashes between the neighboring towns.
The curfew, effective from Thursday, January 16, 2025, restricts movement between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily as part of government efforts to prevent further escalation of violence.
The conflict reportedly reignited when gunmen from Ilobu allegedly stormed the Apiponroro area of Ifon, causing widespread panic. The Secretary of the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union Board of Trustees, Jide Akinyooye, confirmed that gunshots were heard in the Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon, displacing several residents.
However, Chief Goke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, refuted the claims, alleging that gunmen from Ifon attacked Ilobu residents near the Ganga and Apiponroro areas. “Our people had to defend themselves. We are peace-loving citizens and urge the government to protect us,” he stated.
In response, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, announced the deployment of a joint security task force comprising the Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps to restore order in the communities.
“Following the outbreak of another communal clash between the people of Ifon and Ilobu, Osun State Government has imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily until further notice,” Alimi stated.
The government has also constituted an expanded committee of stakeholders, including community representatives, service chiefs, state council of obas, and other relevant bodies, to find a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Alimi warned that individuals or groups found instigating violence would face full legal consequences, emphasizing that maintaining peace remains the priority of the state government.
The ongoing crisis underscores longstanding tensions between the communities, with Governor Adeleke urging all parties to cooperate with the peacekeeping efforts for the collective security of the state.