Osun

Ifon/Erin/Ilobu: Don’t Politicise Boundary Dispute – Group To Opposition Parties

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedMarch 23, 2025

A socio-cultural group, Dee Osun Monitors, has urged opposition parties not to politicise the boundary disputes between Ifon, Erin and Ilobu communities in Osun State.

The group also described the call by the Ilobu Descendants Union for President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the dispute as a political ploy to call for a state of emergency.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that a fresh clash involving the three communities occured on Friday morning, withany injured and property destroyed.

The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Prince Jide Akinyooye, and Assistant Coordinator, Mr Faluade Rasheed, urged the State Government to follow due process and create clear boundary demarcations among the warring communities once the findings and recommendations of the ongoing boundary resolution committee are made available.

The group also urged stakeholders in the three communities to adhere to the rule of law and respect the ongoing peace process, noting that It is essential to prioritise dialogue, understanding, and cooperation to resolve the boundary dispute.

The statement read in part, “We commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for his transparent and fair handling of the boundary crisis. His commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all citizens is laudable.

“We sincerely commend the Governor for previous meetings and the latest meeting on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, with all the stakeholders, including all the traditional rulers in the affected area. We note that the efforts have begun to restore peace to the affected areas.

“Regrettably, some parties involved have deliberately disrespected the Osun State Government’s orders, particularly at the government buffer zone in Opapa. This blatant disregard for authority undermines the peace process and perpetuates tension. Why will people refuse to respect constituted authorities and still expect normalcy?

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“We are concerned about the malicious intentions of opposition and politically motivated individuals who seek to politicize the boundary resolution matter. Their actions are detrimental to the peace and stability of Osun State.

“We considered the recent public outcry of Ilobu Descendants Union to seek the attention of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to intervene in community problems and challenges of this nature as a political ploy to call for a state of emergency! Therefore, we perceive such an act as a deliberate effort to sabotage the efforts of a dedicated and responsible state government of Osun State.

“Hence, we strongly condemn such acts in its totality. Such actions are unwarranted and would only exacerbate the situation.

“We urge all parties in Ifon, Ilobu & Erin-Osun stakeholders to adhere to the rule of law and respect the ongoing peace process. It is essential to prioritize dialogue, understanding, and cooperation to resolve the boundary dispute.

“We call on the Osun State Government to follow due process and create clear boundary demarcations among the warring communities once the findings and recommendations of the ongoing Boundary Resolution Committee are made available.”

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.