Ifon/Ilobu Crisis: Gov Adeleke inaugurates 100-man committee
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Following the repeated crisis between Ilobu and Ifon-Osun in Irepodun and Orolu local government areas of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s led administration on Monday inaugurated a 100-man committee to find lasting solution to the crisis between the ancient communities.
Osun Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi performed the official inauguration of the committee at the State Secretariat.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun is the head of the committee while Justice Moshood Adeigbe (rtd) is the Chairman and Co-chairman.
While addressing the committee, Prince Adewusi said the government is deeply concerned by the crisis as it is affecting the development of the entire area.
The Deputy Governor said, the administration of Governor Adeleke is committed to finding permanent solution to the crisis within the communities and will do everything possible to achieve it.
According to Prince Adewusi, “Our government is deeply concerned about the incessant disputes among the communities of Ifon and Ilobu. In view of recent developments and in a bid to prevent further escalation, our administration has initiated a process that will guarantee a lasting peace in the affected communities.
“The new initiative has external leaders as part of the conflict resolution team. The goal is to once and for all mediate and finally put an end to the crisis.
“Our administration frowns at any attempt to politician the crisis. We particularly warn those masquerading under communal struggle for political agenda to stay away from the issue. We will no longer tolerate playing politics with the lives of our people.
“It is in realization of the urgency of the matter that I set up this enlarged land crisis resolution committee on the Ifon-Osun and Ilobu boundary crisis. Erin-Osun has also been added to the enlarged committee”.
Each of the affected communities has twenty-five representatives each, while the state government will also be represented by twenty-five members.
Four other revered traditional rulers, as well as other individuals chosen by the government, will serve as members of the committee.
This committee is given two weeks to carry out its findings and submit the reports to the Osun State Government.