The Osun State Government has warned traditional rulers in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun that they could be removed from office if communal clashes continue in their areas.
Governor Ademola Adeleke gave this warning on Monday after receiving reports of fresh tensions in the affected communities.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the state would not tolerate any attempt to use the recent easing of the curfew as an opportunity to restart violence.
“In the midst of Sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun towns.
“The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place,” Adeleke stated.
The governor also said security agencies were investigating individuals suspected of causing the conflict.
He reminded community leaders that the peace agreements they signed were serious matters, warning that anyone found violating them would face consequences.
“The security agencies are also speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict. I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they signed is not a joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law,” he added.
Adeleke explained that the curfew was relaxed to ease the suffering of innocent residents but warned that any fresh violence would lead to a full reinstatement of the 24-hour curfew.
“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas.
“Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew,” he declared.
He also made it clear that any traditional ruler in whose town fresh violence erupts would be removed from office.
“I will remove from office any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough,” Adeleke warned.
The government urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities that could threaten peace in the affected communities.
