A former councilor from Ifon Orolu in Osun State, identified simply as Azeez, has been reportedly killed as boundary disputes between Ifon and Ilobu communities reignited. The cause of his death remains unclear, but a resident of Ifon, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, confirmed that Azeez was pronounced dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, early on Friday.
The resurgence of violence between the two communities also led to the burning of several houses, escalating tensions in the area. Media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, Yusuf Adekunle, accused the Ilobu community of sponsoring the attack. However, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Adegoke Ogunsola, denied the allegation, claiming that Ifon residents initiated the violence, resulting in injuries to many Ilobu residents.
Adekunle detailed the incident, stating, “The deceased is Hon. Azeez, a former councilor. Ilobu people have made several attempts to attack us, and we have reported these incidents to security operatives on multiple occasions. From the 13th to the 20th of this month, we’ve written petitions to the governor and security agencies.
“Suddenly, around 11 p.m. last night, we started hearing sporadic gunshots. They began burning our people’s houses. As I speak, I cannot confirm the number of casualties or the extent of property damage. They even threw a woman into her house and set it on fire. Affected areas include Akinponroro, Odo Oje, and other border areas in our community. They also burnt a government-owned primary healthcare center in Akinponroro.”
On the other hand, Ogunsola countered the claims, stating that Ifon residents had been attacking Ilobu farmers for days. “They started attacking our people on farms at Gbere Onireke and Opapa about five days ago. On Tuesday, they attempted to kidnap Baale of Opapa, Liasu Ishola, but he was rescued by farmers and bricklayers. On Wednesday, they attacked Oseni Salawudeen and his family, shooting him, though he survived.
“Yesterday evening, they went to Oke-Ebutu in Ilobu and started destroying houses. Despite the presence of security agencies, the clashes have not been fully contained. We urge security operatives to intervene and stop the crisis,” Ogunsola said.
In response to the escalating violence, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered immediate security operations to restore peace between the two communities. In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor urged the joint security task force to apprehend the ringleaders and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.
Adeleke also called on the peace committee to revive the peace deal and ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect lives and properties. He decried the politicization of the crisis and emphasized the need for a lasting resolution to the boundary dispute.
