From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has extended the nighttime curfew in Ifon and Ilobu communities, following renewed communal clashes. The curfew, initially set from 10 PM to 4 AM, will now run from 6 PM to 6 AM until further notice.
The state government said the decision was aimed at curbing violence and restoring peace. “His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is deeply concerned about the resurgence of hostilities between Ilobu and Ifon,” Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi, said in a statement.
“As a result, he has ordered an extension of the curfew and directed security agencies to sustain round-the-clock surveillance to prevent further breakdown of law and order.”
The statement also announced a crucial stakeholder meeting scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025. The meeting will bring together the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, and other key figures to explore peaceful resolutions.
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Governor Adeleke urged residents to embrace peace, warning that anyone found instigating violence would face severe consequences. “We will not tolerate any attempt to fuel this crisis. All parties must respect the sanctity of human lives and work towards coexistence,” he emphasised.
The crisis between Ifon and Ilobu has a long history of land disputes, with occasional flare-ups leading to loss of lives and destruction of property. Security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence, have been deployed to maintain order.
