Former Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke (BANIK), has strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun, describing the killings and destruction as “ungodly and unfortunate.”
Speaking at the 6th Annual Ramadan Lecture organized by the BANIK Community Empowerment Foundation in Iree, Adeleke lamented that the clashes are taking place during the sacred periods of Ramadan and Lent, when peace and reflection should prevail.
“It is truly heartbreaking that Osun State has been plagued by unrest this year, from the Ifon and Ilobu crisis to the tragic killings following the reinstatement of APC council officials. Now, renewed hostilities between Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun during such a holy period make it even more painful,” he said.
He urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to take firm action in ensuring security and stability, stressing that leadership in times of crisis is crucial.
“I call on the warring communities to lay down their arms. Those suffering from this crisis are their own people, their own families. Dialogue, not violence, is the only way forward,” he added.
Meanwhile, renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Muideen Salman, who also spoke at the event, called on political and community leaders to curb their greed and prioritize the welfare of the people.
“Leaders must remember that their actions today will be judged by both history and God. The excessive greed of public officials invites the wrath of the people and divine punishment,” Sheikh Salman warned.
As Osun State grapples with these conflicts, leaders and citizens alike are urged to embrace peace, unity, and dialogue to prevent further loss of lives and properties.
