Tensions have intensified in Osun State following renewed clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities, resulting in the death of a former councillor and the destruction of several homes.
The deceased, identified simply as Hon. Azeez, a former councillor from Ifon-Orolu, reportedly died after sustaining injuries during the violent confrontations.
While the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, a resident from Ifon, who spoke anonymously due to safety concerns, said Azeez was confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo early Friday.
Amid the clashes, multiple houses were reportedly set ablaze across affected areas.
Yusuf Adekunle, media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, accused members of the Ilobu community of orchestrating the attack.
“The deceased is Hon. Azeez, an ex-councillor. Ilobu people have made several attempts to attack us, and we’ve reported to security agencies multiple times.
From March 13 to 20, we submitted petitions to the governor and security authorities,” he said.
He added, “Around 11 p.m. last night, gunshots rang out again, and houses were set on fire.
The number of casualties and damaged properties is yet to be confirmed. In one case, a woman was reportedly thrown into her house before it was set ablaze. Areas like Akinponroro, Odo Oje, and other border settlements were affected.
Even a government-owned primary health care centre in Akinponroro was burnt.”
However, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Adegoke Ogunsola, dismissed the allegations, claiming residents of Ilobu were the victims of unprovoked attacks by hoodlums from Ifon.
Ogunsola stated, “The attacks started on Monday at Gbere Onireke and Opapa farms. On Tuesday, they attacked Liasu Ishola, the Baale of Opapa, at his residence.
An attempted kidnapping was thwarted when nearby farmers and bricklayers intervened.”
He continued, “On Wednesday, they attacked Oseni Salawudeen and others at Gbere Onireke.
Prince Gbadamosi was also shot while working on his farm but survived. Despite alerting the police, they couldn’t respond in time. Later, residents recovered burnt motorcycles and handed them over to the police.
By late Thursday, they began destroying homes in Oke-Ebutu, Ilobu.”
Ogunsola also noted the presence of security personnel but said they were yet to fully contain the situation.
He called for stronger intervention from security agencies to prevent further escalation.
In response, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered immediate security action to restore peace. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor directed a joint security task force to intervene and halt the violence.
Governor Adeleke also condemned the politicisation of the crisis and instructed authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for inciting violence.
He urged the peace committee to reactivate the previously established peace accord and ensure an end to hostilities to protect lives and property.