Osun Governor Adeleke Imposes Fresh Curfew on Ifon and Ilobu as Communal Crisis Escalates

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has once again imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities following renewed violence over disputed lands. This latest curfew, effective from 6 pm to 6 am, comes after gunmen attacked Ilobu late Thursday, leaving one person feared dead, multiple injuries sustained, and houses set ablaze.

This marks yet another attempt by the state government to curb the persistent communal clashes. The last curfew, initially imposed in January 2025, had been relaxed in early March to accommodate Ramadan fasting and a temporary return to peace.

In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the Governor expressed his dissatisfaction over the resurgence of violence and directed security forces to enforce strict compliance with the new curfew.

“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon. To this end, the Governor has directed that the initial 10 pm to 4 am curfew now be extended to 6 pm to 6 am, effective today, Friday, March 21, 2025, until further notice,” the statement read.

The Governor has also ordered a joint security task force comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in the affected communities. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace and warned that any individual or group found inciting violence would face the full weight of the law.

As part of efforts to foster dialogue and find a lasting solution, Governor Adeleke has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting for Saturday, March 22, 2025. The meeting will bring together key traditional rulers, including the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, alongside other community leaders.

The Osun State Government has urged residents of both communities to adhere strictly to the curfew and cooperate with security agencies to restore normalcy. The situation remains tense, but authorities are optimistic that ongoing interventions will yield lasting peace.