Osun crisis: Ex-commissioner condemns killings, urges governor to strengthen security
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Osun State, Prince Adebayo Adeleke (BANIK), has condemned the recent killings and destruction of property in Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun, describing them as ungodly.
Speaking during the 6th Annual Ramadan Lecture organized by the BANIK Community Empowerment Foundation in Iree, Adeleke criticized the warring communities for allowing the violence to escalate, especially during the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season.
He urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to take a decisive stance on security to protect the lives and property of Osun citizens.
“It is unfortunate that Osun State has not been peaceful since the beginning of the year, particularly with the Ifon and Ilobu crisis. The killings that followed the reinstatement of APC council officials were also regrettable, as the governor failed to remain impartial. Now, the renewed hostilities between Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun during the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season are even more distressing.
“The governor must demonstrate leadership and the capacity to manage crises to ensure peace in Osun. I also urge the warring communities to sheath their swords and embrace peace. The people suffering from this crisis are the very indigenes of these towns; they must come together for dialogue and resolution,” he said.
Earlier in his lecture, a renowned Islamic scholar in Iree, Sheikh Muideen Salman, emphasized the need for political and community leaders to curb their greed, warning that excessive self-interest—particularly among public officeholders—invites divine punishment.
“Political and community leaders must always remember that posterity will judge their actions and inactions, both in this life and in the hereafter. They should check their greed to avoid incurring God’s wrath and the anger of the people,” he stressed.
