Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers in Ifon, Erin Osun, and Ilobu communities, threatening to dethrone any monarch who fails to prevent further violence in their domain.
In a statement released on Monday in Osogbo by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor stressed the importance of maintaining peace following recent clashes over long-standing boundary disputes. These conflicts have resulted in loss of lives and the destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
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Amid reports of fresh attacks being planned despite ongoing peace efforts, Governor Adeleke stated that security agencies had been placed on high alert. “During the Sallah celebrations, I received intelligence about certain individuals plotting another round of violence in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun. Security forces are fully prepared to prevent any unrest,” he said.
He further revealed that security operatives were intensifying investigations into those responsible for the crisis. He emphasized that peace agreements signed by community leaders must be upheld and were not just symbolic gestures.
“The curfew was relaxed on humanitarian grounds because we recognize that many innocent residents are suffering due to the actions of a few troublemakers. However, if this leniency is abused and violence resurfaces, the 24-hour curfew will be fully reinstated,” Adeleke warned.
The governor made it clear that he was prepared to take decisive action against any traditional ruler under whose leadership violence breaks out again. “I will not hesitate to remove any monarch if violence erupts in their domain. The royal fathers must take full responsibility for ensuring peace. Enough is enough,” he declared.
