Osun communal crisis: Ilobu community withdraws from peace committee

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Ilobu community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State has officially notified the state government of the withdrawal of its representatives from the enlarged stakeholders’ committee on the Ifon-Ilobu-Erin-Osun communal dispute.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had constituted the reconciliation committee, comprising 25 members from each community and government representatives, following several deadly clashes between Ilobu (Irepodun Local Government) and Ifon (Orolu Local Government), which resulted in loss of lives and property.

In a petition addressed to Governor Adeleke, dated February 4, 2025, and signed by High Chiefs Jimoh Ashiru, Johnson Oladapo, and three others, the Ilobu community raised objections to the inclusion of certain individuals in the committee.

They particularly opposed the continued participation of HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo; Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd.), the Chairman; and Co-Chairman, Special Adviser on Security to the Osun State Governor, Mr. Samuel A. Ojo.

In addition, they objected to the presence of Oba Qamar’deen Adeyemi Adeyanju, the Olororuwo of Ororuwo—who is not a member of the committee—as well as other non-members from the Ifon-Osun community, at the committee meeting held on February 3, 2025.

The letter partly read:

“The information at our disposal, which has been verified, indicates that HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo; Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd.), Chairman; and Co-Chairman, Special Adviser on Security to the Osun State Governor, Mr. Samuel A. Ojo, have been seriously compromised in the course of performing their duties within the committee.

“It will be recalled that when the Osun State Government set up the committee, the Okanla Family was not included in the dispute resolution arrangement. However, to our surprise, the committee not only accepted their memorandum and rejoinder against Ilobu Community’s memorandum but also allowed their representatives to witness the committee’s proceedings on February 3, 2025.”

While reaffirming their commitment to the peace process, the Ilobu community expressed their willingness to reconsider their withdrawal and resume participation if the state government addresses their complaints as stated in the petition.

“We hope that the Osun State Government will be fair to us as a community and abide by the law in its duty to ensure that peace reigns in Ilobu, Erin-Osun, and Ifon-Osun communities in Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas of Osun State,” the letter added.

However, the Ifon and Erin-Osun communities, in a joint communiqué signed by Prince Ademola Oyedokun, Yekeen Olayiwola, and two others, rejected the suspension of the committee’s proceedings based on Ilobu community’s complaints.

The communiqué read:

“We, the people of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun, categorically state that we vehemently oppose the halting of the committee’s work or the removal of any of the 25 members appointed by the government.

“We urge the state government to be decisive and resolute in following its own rules and regulations. Parties that had objections to any of the members appointed by the governor had the opportunity to do so before January 24, 2025.

“We insist that no already accepted member should be removed. If anyone is removed as demanded by Ilobu people, no replacement will be acceptable to Erin-Osun and Ifon-Osun people.”