Osun Boundary Dispute: Former Councillor Killed as Ifon/Ilobu Clashes Escalate
The lingering boundary dispute between the Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State took a deadly turn on Friday, following the reported killing of a former councillor from Ifon-Orolu, simply identified as Azeez.
The circumstances surrounding Azeez’s death remain unclear, but he was confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, early Friday. His killing is believed to be connected to the ongoing hostilities between the two communities, which have seen several houses set ablaze in recent days.
Tensions have been running high between Ifon and Ilobu over territorial claims, with both sides accusing each other of attacks. According to reports, armed confrontations erupted again on Thursday night, leading to widespread destruction and casualties.
Conflicting Accounts from Both Communities
The media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, Yusuf Adekunle, confirmed the incident and blamed Ilobu for the renewed violence. He alleged that Ilobu residents orchestrated the attacks, leading to the death of Azeez and the destruction of properties in Ifon.
“The deceased is Hon. Azeez, an ex-councillor. Ilobu people have made several attempts to attack us, and we reported these incidents to security operatives on different occasions. From March 13 to 20, we sent petitions to the governor and security agencies,” Adekunle told The Punch.
He further alleged that on Thursday night, gunmen launched an attack on Ifon around 11 p.m., setting houses on fire and killing residents.
“They threw a woman inside her house and set it ablaze. Government-owned primary health care facilities in Akinponroro were also burnt,” he claimed.
However, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, refuted the allegations, insisting that Ifon residents were the aggressors.
“They started attacking our people five days ago, on Monday. On Tuesday, they attempted to kidnap Baale of Opapa, Liasu Ishola, but he was rescued by nearby farmers and bricklayers,” Ogunsola said.
He alleged that several Ilobu residents were targeted on their farms, including one Oseni Salawudeen, who was attacked alongside his family, and Prince Gbadamosi, who was shot but survived.
“On Thursday night, they went to Oke-Ebutu in Ilobu and started destroying houses. Security agencies are present now, but they have not been able to stop the attacks. We call on authorities to intervene immediately,” Ogunsola added.
Governor Adeleke Orders Immediate Security Intervention
In response to the escalating crisis, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered immediate security operations to restore peace between the warring communities.
A statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said Governor Adeleke has directed a joint security task force to move in swiftly to prevent further bloodshed.
“The Governor decries the politicisation of the crisis and has instructed security agencies to go after the ring leaders and ensure they face the full wrath of the law,” Rasheed said.
Adeleke also urged the peace committee mediating between both communities to intensify efforts toward a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to protect lives and properties.
As tensions persist, residents of both Ifon and Ilobu remain on edge, with calls growing for a lasting resolution to the dispute. Security agencies are expected to increase surveillance and enforce peace in the affected areas.
