A former councillor from Ifon Orolu in Osun State, identified simply as Azeez, has been reportedly killed following a resurgence of the boundary dispute between the Ifon and Ilobu communities.
The longstanding communal crisis has escalated once again, leading to violent clashes, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
It remains unclear how Azeez met his death, but sources indicate he was confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, today.
The renewed hostilities have also resulted in several houses being set ablaze in the affected areas.
Escalation of Violence
According to local reports, multiple gunshots were heard on Thursday night as the conflict intensified. Residents of both communities have accused each other of instigating the violence, further fueling tensions between the warring sides.
Media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, Yusuf Adekunle, blamed the Ilobu community for orchestrating the attacks, stating that Ifon residents had previously alerted security agencies about potential threats.
“The deceased is Hon. Azeez, an ex-councillor. Ilobu people have made several attempts to attack us, and we reported to security operatives on different occasions. From the 13th to the 20th of this month, we have written petitions to the governor and also the security agencies.
“All of a sudden, in the middle of the night yesterday around 11 o’clock, we started hearing sporadic gunshots again. They started burning our people’s houses. As I am speaking with you, I can’t ascertain the number of our people they have killed already, and I can’t even say how many houses they have destroyed. They threw a woman inside her house and set the house on fire.
“The affected areas include Akinponroro, Odo Oje, and all those border areas in our community. They even burnt a government-owned primary health care center in the Akinponroro area,” Adekunle lamented.
Ilobu’s Counterclaims
However, Ilobu community representatives have denied responsibility for the attacks, insisting that their residents have been victims of aggression from Ifon. The Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Adegoke Ogunsola, alleged that armed men from Ifon had launched multiple assaults on Ilobu residents, leaving many injured.
“The truth of the matter is that they started about five days ago, on Monday, by attacking our people on the farms at Gbere Onireke and Opapa. They attacked one Liasu Ishola, who is the Baale of Opapa, on Tuesday and attempted to kidnap him from his house. However, he called for help, and the farmers around, along with some bricklayers helping him rebuild his collapsed building, rescued him from the hoodlums from Ifon Osun.
“On Wednesday, they went to Gbere Onireke to attack one Oseni Salawudeen and members of his family, along with Prince Gbadamosi, while he was working on his farm. He was shot but was lucky to survive. We reported the attack to the police, but they said they could not go inside the bush. As a result, we mobilized our people to recover the burnt motorcycles, which are now at the police station.
“Late in the evening yesterday, they went to Oke-Ebutu in Ilobu and started destroying people’s houses. Though we are seeing some security agencies now, they have not been able to stop the clashes. We urge the security agencies to intervene decisively to prevent further destruction,” Ogunsola stated.
Government Response and Calls for Peace
In response to the escalating violence, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered immediate security operations to restore peace between Ifon and Ilobu communities. He has directed a joint security task force to step in and de-escalate the conflict.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, calling on security agencies to apprehend the key figures instigating the crisis.
“The government will not tolerate any further breakdown of peace. I have directed security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property. The peace committee must also resume efforts to broker dialogue between the two communities. Any individual found instigating violence will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.
Governor Adeleke further warned against the politicization of the crisis, urging stakeholders to prioritize lasting peace over personal or political interests. He assured residents that his administration remains committed to resolving the dispute and preventing further bloodshed.
History of the Ifon-Ilobu Dispute
The Ifon-Ilobu boundary dispute has been a long-standing issue, dating back decades. Various peace efforts have been made in the past, but the conflict has persisted, often flaring up with devastating consequences.
Disputes over land ownership and territorial claims have fueled hostilities, making reconciliation efforts challenging.
Security experts and community leaders have called for a more sustainable approach to conflict resolution, including clear boundary demarcations, community dialogue, and economic empowerment initiatives to reduce tensions.
The recent violence between Ifon and Ilobu communities underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the boundary dispute. With security agencies now involved, stakeholders hope that peace can be restored before further loss of lives and destruction of property. However, sustained dialogue and proactive governance will be key to ensuring that such crises do not recur in the future.
