Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, threatening to remove any monarch whose domain experiences a resurgence of violence in the ongoing communal crisis.
The governor’s warning, contained in an official statement on Monday, follows intelligence reports that unidentified groups are plotting fresh attacks in the restive communities.
Governor Adeleke, speaking through his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, expressed frustration over the persistent unrest despite earlier peace agreements.
“In the midst of Sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun towns,” Adeleke said. “The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place.”
He emphasized that community leaders who signed peace agreements would be held accountable if violence flares up again.
“The peace undertaking they signed is not a joke. They will be held accountable before the law,” he declared.
The governor explained that the recent easing of the curfew was a humanitarian gesture but warned that any breach of peace would lead to its immediate reinstatement.
“The curfew was relaxed on compassionate grounds because innocent people are suffering due to the actions of a few troublemakers,” Adeleke said. “But if anyone tries to exploit this adjustment to cause violence, we will not hesitate to reimpose a 24-hour curfew.”
In his strongest warning yet, Adeleke threatened to depose any traditional ruler whose community witnesses renewed clashes.
“I will remove from office any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table,” he said. “Royal fathers must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough.”
The governor confirmed that security operatives have intensified patrols and are accelerating interrogations of key figures linked to the conflict.
“The security agencies are speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict,” he stated.
Residents of the affected communities remain on edge as authorities work to prevent further bloodshed.
