Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Monday, ordered traditional rulers of warring Ifon, Erin Osun, and Ilobu communities to sustain the current peace in their domains or face dethronement.
He threatened that the failure of any one of them to nurture and sustain the current peace and de-escalation of the crisis in their communities would lead to his removal from the throne.
This was contained in a statement issued by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed, which was forwarded to journalists in Osogbo, Osun State capital.
The communities have been recently embroiled in violent clashes over agelong boundary disputes, culminating in the loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
The governor’s warning followed online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas were planning to unleash another round of attacks in the communities.
“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,” he said.
“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 are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.
“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.
“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.”
