The Osun State Government has taken decisive action to address the ongoing communal crisis between the Ifon and Ilobu communities. In a bid to resolve the conflict and ensure lasting peace, Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy Kola Adewusi, inaugurated an enlarged land crisis resolution committee on Monday at the Osun State Government Secretariat in Abere.
Governor Adeleke expressed deep concern over the continuous disputes, emphasizing that the government is committed to fostering peace and preventing any further escalation. He also strongly condemned the attempts to politicize the conflict, urging those involved in manipulating the crisis for political gain to stay away from the matter.
“The administration will no longer tolerate playing politics with the lives of our people,” Governor Adeleke declared. He pointed out that peace is a fundamental value that should always be prioritized, urging all stakeholders to focus on finding solutions for the welfare and development of the affected communities.
The newly formed committee includes both local and external leaders, with a mission to mediate and bring an end to the long-standing crisis. The committee consists of 100 members, with representatives from the Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun communities, along with 25 members each from the State Government. Traditional rulers, including the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, and Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, will lead the committee as Chairman and Co-Chairman, respectively.
The committee has been given a two-week timeframe to carry out its investigation and submit a comprehensive report to the state government. The initiative aims to create a sustainable peace process that will benefit the entire state and ensure the resolution of all underlying issues causing the ongoing disputes.
This committee marks a critical step in the state’s efforts to restore peace and strengthen communal harmony in Osun, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing conflicts in a way that promotes unity and progress.