Communal crisis: Osun govt seizes contentious lands In Orolu, Irepodun LGs

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, said the State Government is taking over the disputed lands in Ilobu and Ifon communities of the state.

The governor, who was visibly annoyed over the crisis between the two warring communities also called on the chiefs, community leaders, and kings to call their subjects to order.

Adeleke, stated this at the maiden edition of “Ipade Imole”, a public accountability platform in Osogbo, Osun state capital, on Thursday.

He disclosed that he had sought the cooperation of the Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to deploy military personnel to maintain law and order in both communities.

Adeleke also sent a strong warning to the leaders of the affected communities to maintain peace, law and order.

He said, “I’m not happy with the development in Ilobu and Ifon. I was there this morning before coming around and I told the leaders that I’m not happy with their conduct.

“Why will you be killing people because of lands. This is very bad. I want to state that the government has taken over the disputed lands.

“I have also obtained the assurance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in this regard.

“A military deployment will be punitive to both communities who have failed to allow for peaceful resolution of the problem on ground.

“As a government, we have seized the parcel of land in contention. The Osun State Government has seized that land and I have given the security operatives the order to deal with anybody who contravenes my directive.

“He has promised to deploy soldiers to the affected communities to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Police.

“Anybody who wants to cause mayhem, I am wanring them right now to be careful. If it is sabotaged, it will not work at all.

“These clashes are not helping anyone but rather chasing investors away to other states.

“It is sad that lives are being lost daily over what belongs to God and not man.”