Ifon/Ilobu Crisis: Osun Govt Confiscates Contested Parcel Of Land, Deploys Military Personnel

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke on Thursday warned that the parcel of land in contention between Orolu and Irepodun local government areas of the state has been seized by the state government.

The Governor who was annoyed also noted that he has obtained the cooperation of the Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to deploy military personnel to maintain law and order in both communities.

Adeleke made this known at the first edition of the “Ipade Imole”, a public accountability platform held in Osogbo on Thursday.

According to him “I am not happy today. These clashes would chase away investors from investing in the state.

He further said “I have also obtained the assurance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in this regard. As a government, we have seized the parcel of land in contention. The Osun State Government has seized that land and I have given the security operatives the order to deal with anybody who contravenes my directive.

“He has promised to deploy soldiers to the affected communities to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Police.

“Anybody who wants to cause mayhem, I am warning them right now to be careful. If it is sabotaged, it will not work at all.

“These clashes are not helping anyone but rather chasing investors away to other states.

“It is sad that lives are being lost daily over what belongs to God and not man.”

Governor Adeleke called on the chiefs, community leaders, and kings to call their subjects to order.

The Governor stressed “It is not when the government intervenes with force that people will not be complaining.

“A military deployment will be punitive to both communities who have failed to allow for peaceful resolution of the problem on ground.”

It would be recalled that Osun state government has directed that the curfew continues in order to maintain law and order in the affected communities.

The notice of curfew was conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi.