Osun on Edge: Adeleke Slams Fresh Curfew as Land Dispute Turns Deadly

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has once again imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the warring communities of Ifon and Ilobu following a renewed outbreak of violence over a lingering land dispute.

The latest unrest reportedly turned deadly on Thursday night when gunmen stormed Ilobu, leaving one person feared dead, several others injured, and homes set ablaze.

Despite previous curfews—most recently lifted in early March to accommodate Ramadan—the crisis has reignited, forcing the governor to extend restrictions from 6 PM to 6 AM until further notice.

Expressing his frustration over the continued clashes, Adeleke, through a statement by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, vowed zero tolerance for lawlessness. Security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps, have been ordered to maintain a 24-hour presence in the troubled areas.

To seek a lasting resolution, the governor has summoned an emergency stakeholders’ meeting for Saturday, March 22, 2025, involving traditional rulers and key community leaders.

Adeleke also issued a stern warning: anyone caught fueling the crisis—whether individuals or groups—will face severe consequences.