Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has re-imposed a 12-hour curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities following renewed violence between the two warring towns.
In a statement on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Engagement, Kolapo Alimi, announced that the curfew will run from 6 pm to 6 am daily until further notice.
Governor Adeleke also summoned the monarchs of both communities—the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan—for an urgent meeting on Saturday to discuss ways to restore peace.
“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10 pm to 4 am curfew now be extended to 6 pm to 6 am, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice,” Alimi stated.
“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, continue to maintain 24-hour surveillance to prevent any form of violence.”
He further warned that anyone found instigating or participating in the conflict would face strict action.
Adeleke urged both communities and their traditional rulers to maintain peace, adding, “Anyone or any group aiding and abetting the violence will be dealt with.”
The renewed clashes have already claimed lives and destroyed properties. A former councillor from Ifon, identified as Azeez, reportedly died after being shot. Sources said he was confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, on Friday.
In addition, several houses were burnt during the violence.
Reacting to the incident, the media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, Yusuf Adekunle, accused Ilobu residents of attacking Ifon people.
However, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Adegoke Ogunsola, denied the claim, insisting that Ifon residents were the ones attacking Ilobu and injuring many people.
The Osun State government had earlier relaxed an initial curfew after noticing some level of peace. However, following fresh attacks, the curfew has been reinstated with stricter measures.
