Gov Adeleke declares curfew in Orolu, Irepodun LGs over impending communal clash

• Government’s decision comes on the heels of the killing of a farmer, Sodiq Alamu, in Opapa village, Irepodun LGA
• Indigenes of Ifon have alleged that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, an indigene of Ilobu, was using his powers to forcefully acquire the land

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed an immediate curfew on Irepodun and Orolu local government areas of  the state.

The government’s decision comes on the heels of the killing of a farmer, Sodiq Alamu, in Opapa village, Irepodun LGA.

Also, Ilobu and Ifon communities have been at daggers drawn over the ownership of a parcel of land, which bounds both communities.

Indigenes of Ifon have alleged that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, an indigene of Ilobu, was using his powers to forcefully acquire the land.

An allegation which the army chief has since denied.

The notice of curfew, which was conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the purpose of the curfew is to enforce law and order within the affected communities.

“This is to inform the public that the attention of the Osun state government has been drawn to the communal clash on land dispute between Ilobu and Ifon communities.

“Based on this, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that curfew begin immediately in the two local governments: Orolu and Irepodun local governments.

“The curfew will start between the hours of 8pm and 6am. Human and vehicular movements are hereby restricted during the curfew until further notice.

“This is to forestall attempts of destruction of lives and properties during this period, because of the land dispute.

“Anyone caught wandering or moving around in Irepodun and Orolu local governments during the curfew period will be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke sued for peace between these two local governments, and asked that the ethos of peace, love, and unity, which the state is known be imbibed.”