Communal Crisis: Let’s Join Hands To Restore Peace – Olufon To Olobu, Elerin
The Olufon of Ifon-Osun in Orolu local government area of Osun State, Oba Peter Akinyooye, has called for an end to the ongoing communal crisis between his town and Ilobu and Erin.
The monarch urged the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, and the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuff Oyagbodun, to cease all forms of conflict and join hands to restore peace and unity in the three communities.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that another round of crisis erupted between the three communities on Friday, with two people reportedly dead while many sustained gunshot injuries. Also, millions of properties were destroyed, with many rendered homeless.
In an address to Osun people after the latest incident, Oba Akinyooye noted that as fathers of in their respective domains, the responsibility falls on them to ensure that their subjects return to the path of harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“No kingdom thrives in the face of strife, and no people develop in the midst of chaos. It is time to end the hostilities and work together as traditional leaders to heal the wounds inflicted by this crisis and guide our people back to peaceful co-existence.
“I appeal to all indigenes of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, who have been affected and displaced by this unfortunate incident to return home with the spirit of community that we once enjoyed. We are bound by history, culture, and kinship; let us not allow conflict to tear us apart. The prosperity of our people depends on our unity. Let us look beyond past grievances and personal greed and work collectively to rebuild our communities.
“I sincerely appreciate the prompt and passionate intervention of His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, for taking decisive steps to arrest the situation. His leadership at this critical moment is commendable, and I urge the state government to leave no stone unturned in investigating those behind these heinous acts of violence. No matter the misinformation or propaganda circulating on the internet, the truth must prevail, and the perpetrators of these evils must be brought to justice. Peace cannot be achieved without justice, and as a people, we must uphold fairness, truth, and accountability”, he said.
The monarch also cautioned those politicising the communal crisis, warning that such action is dangerous, reckless, and a betrayal of the people they claim to serve.
He said, “Furthermore, I strongly caution those attempting to politicise this communal clash for their selfish interests. Such actions are dangerous, reckless, and a betrayal of the people they claim to serve. I warn that anyone found fueling this crisis for political gain will not only be exposed but also face the wrath of God and the full weight of the law. I call on security agencies to investigate and bring to book, those who are fanning the flames of discord and destabilisation. Our communities deserve peace, not political manipulation.
“Finally, I urge every son and daughter of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun to embrace peace, shun violence, and allow normalcy to return to our land. No more blood should be shed, no more homes should be destroyed, and no more livelihoods should be lost. Let us replace hostility with dialogue, anger with understanding, and division with unity. We are stronger together.”
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.
