By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The communal clash between Ilobu and Ifon in Osun State has escalated to the neighboring community of Erin-Osun, leading to the displacement of more residents.

Some residents have called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and President Bola Tinubu to intervene before the situation gets out of hand.

The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, had imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected communities, where violence has continued due to boundary disputes.

It was gathered that the warring Ilobu and Ifon communities continued their violent attacks on Saturday, extending them to Erin-Osun, where houses were reportedly torched, forcing many residents to flee.

Reports indicated that large numbers of displaced people from Ilobu have set up temporary camps near Osogbo/Ogbomoso Road, seeking refuge. Since Friday, many residents of Ifon and Ilobu have been leaving their communities for safer areas, particularly Osogbo, the state capital.

Following the spread of the crisis to Erin-Osun early Saturday morning, more residents have fled to Gaa in Ido-Osun for safety. Many displaced persons have found shelter with relatives in Osogbo, while others have taken refuge in mosques and churches.

Commenting on the crisis, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun Kingdom, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III, urged the warring communities to lay down their arms and embrace peace for the sake of development.

Akinyooye warned against politicising the crisis, emphasising that Ilobu and Ifon are brotherly communities that share the same cultural heritage.

He called on security agencies to arrest those responsible for the violence and bring them to justice.

“The entire Osun State, and by extension Nigeria, must work together to ensure sustainable peace,” the monarch said.

Describing the destruction of lives and properties as unfortunate, he lamented the disruption of the long-standing peace previously enjoyed by the communities.

“I call on the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, and the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuff Omoloye Oyagbodun, to cease all forms of conflict and join hands to restore peace and unity in our lands.

“As fathers of our respective domains, the responsibility falls on us to ensure that our people return to the path of harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect. No kingdom thrives in strife, and no people develop in the midst of chaos.

“It is time to end hostilities and work together as traditional leaders to heal the wounds inflicted by this crisis and guide our people back to peaceful co-existence.

“I appeal to all indigenes of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, who have been affected and displaced by this unfortunate incident, to return home with the spirit of community that we once enjoyed.

“We are bound by history, culture, and kinship. Let us not allow conflict to tear us apart. The prosperity of our people depends on our unity. Let us look beyond past grievances and personal greed and work collectively to rebuild our communities.

“I sincerely appreciate the prompt intervention of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for taking decisive steps to address the situation. His leadership at this critical moment is commendable, and I urge the state government to leave no stone unturned in investigating those responsible for this heinous violence.

“No matter the misinformation or propaganda circulating on the internet, the truth must prevail, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Peace cannot be achieved without justice, and as a people, we must uphold fairness, truth, and accountability.

“I strongly caution those attempting to politicise this communal clash for their selfish interests. Such actions are dangerous, reckless, and a betrayal of the people they claim to serve.

“Anyone found fueling this crisis for political gain will be exposed and made to face the full weight of the law. I call on security agencies to investigate and bring to justice those fanning the flames of discord and destabilization.

“Our communities deserve peace, not political manipulation. I urge every son and daughter of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun to embrace peace and shun violence.”

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, outlined measures being taken to prevent further escalation.

He stated, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has intensified efforts to de-escalate the Ifon-Ilobu conflict by imposing a 24-hour curfew, deploying a joint security task force, and initiating a peace deal between the warring communities.”