Communal clashes: Adeleke threatens to depose three monarchs

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a stern warning against the recurrence of communal clashes in Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun, threatening to remove any traditional rulers who fail to maintain peace in their domains.

The governor’s warning follows recent violent clashes in the three communities, which resulted in several deaths and widespread destruction, with many buildings set ablaze by hoodlums. In response to the violence, the state government had imposed a curfew on the affected areas, though the restriction was recently relaxed from a 24-hour to a 17-hour daily curfew.

In a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government expressed concern that some individuals might exploit the temporary relaxation of the curfew to incite fresh unrest. Governor Adeleke emphasized that any monarch who does not work to sustain the current peace efforts would face serious consequences, including possible removal from office.

“I have received reports of plans to resume violence in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun towns during the Sallah celebrations,” Adeleke said. “Security agencies have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure that those responsible for stirring conflict are apprehended. Any traditional ruler whose community witnesses further violence will be held accountable and could be removed from office.”

The governor warned that the relaxed curfew was imposed on humanitarian grounds, to alleviate the suffering of innocent residents caught in the conflict. He stressed that any attempt to reignite violence would lead to the immediate re-imposition of the full 24-hour curfew.

“There will be no leniency for any monarch who fails to rein in troublemakers in their community,” Adeleke said. “I will not hesitate to wield the big stick. Enough is enough!”

The state government has also intensified security measures, with key chieftains and individuals implicated in the unrest being swiftly interrogated. Adeleke’s message to the royal leaders was clear: they must take responsibility for maintaining order in their communities or face the consequences.