A violent clash between the Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State has led to the death of a former councillor identified as Azeez. The ongoing boundary dispute between the two communities has once again erupted into chaos, with several houses reportedly set on fire.
It remains unclear how Azeez lost his life, but a resident of Ifon, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, confirmed that the deceased was taken to Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo, where he was pronounced dead early Friday morning.
The media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, Yusuf Adekunle, accused Ilobu residents of instigating the attack. However, this claim was refuted by Adegoke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, who alleged that Ifon people were the aggressors, launching assaults that left many residents injured.
Adekunle noted, “The deceased is Hon Azeez, ex-councillor. Ilobu people have made several attempts to attack us, and we reported to security operatives on different occasions. From the 13th to the 20th of this month, we’ve written petitions to the governor and also the security agencies.”
He further claimed that the violence escalated late Thursday night, with gunshots ringing out around 11 p.m. and houses being set on fire. He said entire areas, including Akinponroro and Odo Oje, were affected.
Adekunle added, “As I am speaking with you, I can’t ascertain the number of our people they have killed already, and I can’t even say this is the number of the houses they have destroyed. They threw a woman inside her house and set the house on fire.”
Meanwhile, Ogunsola, speaking for the Ilobu community, countered the allegations, stating that Ifon residents had been launching attacks since Monday. He claimed that hoodlums from Ifon attacked people on their farms in Gbere Onireke and Opapa, injuring many.
Ogunsola said, “The truth of the matter is that they started about five days ago, that was on Monday, to attack our people on the farms at Gbere Onireke, and Opapa.”
He further explained that a local leader, Baale Liasu Ishola, was attacked on Tuesday but was rescued by nearby workers. He also alleged that an Ifon group shot another resident, Oseni Salawudeen, on his farm.
He continued, “Very late in the evening yesterday, they went to Oke-Ebutu at Ilobu and started destroying people’s houses. Though we are seeing some security agencies now, they have not been able to curtail the spread of the clash.”
As the situation worsens, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered security forces to intervene and restore peace. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor directed the joint security task force to take immediate action to stop the violence.
He also condemned the politicization of the crisis and instructed security operatives to arrest those responsible. Adeleke urged the peace committee to revive earlier agreements and ensure an end to hostilities to protect lives and property.
