Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday raised the alarm over plot by some people to restart the Ifon-Ilobu communal war over land dispute.
This is happening barely 24 hours after The Nation visited the warring communities during Eid-el-Fitr celebration and observed that the atmosphere was still tense and the animosity was still lingering despite the security measures put in place by the state government.
The governor yesterday promised to dethrone the monarchs of the warring communities if they failed to maintain peace.
A statement by the governor through his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, said Adeleke warned traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu communities that if they failed to sustain the current peace, he would dethrone them.
He said: “During Sallah celebrations, I received reports of some people planning another round of conflict in Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. Security agencies have been instructed to increase surveillance to ensure no attack is carried out.
“They are also speeding up interrogation of key suspects in the conflict. I want to remind leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they have signed is not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.”
The governor added: “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.
“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence reoccurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of the towns must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough.”
