Boundary Dispute: Ilobu’s Withdrawal From Peace Initiative Frivolous, Disrespectful – Ifon, Erin Communities

The leaders of Ifon and Erin-Osun communities in Osun State have described the withdrawal of Ilobu from the ongoing peace committee set up by the government as disrespectful and frivolous.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had set up a 100-man peace committee to bring lasting peace to the incessant communal clash between the towns which was headed by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and Justice Moshood Adeigbe.

However, after three days sitting, Ilobu through a letter to the Governor withdraw from the process, saying it does not trust the chairman and co-chairman.

In a swift reaction, Ifon and Erin-Osun communities in a joint communique on Wednesday described Ilobu’s excuse for the withdrawal as frivolous, saying the three communities has access to the members of the committee before inauguration and accepted their membership.

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It also described as bias the decision to halt the peace process by government on the complaints of Ilobu without carrying them along, saying replacing any member of the 25-man panel would not be acceptable to the towns.

It reads partly, “It is rumoured the Government of Osun State has halted the Committee on the alleged call by Ilobu people to object to some of the 25 appointees of the government.

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“The people of Ifon or Erin-Osun were neither served a copy of their purported letter to the government, nor invited to comment before the government we hold in high esteem acceded to the frivolous and vexatious complaints / demand of Ilobus.

“We the people of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun categorically state that we vehemently oppose the halting of the work of the Committee or the removal of any ofthe 25 members appointed by the Government.

“We enjoin the state government to be decisive and resolute ni following its own rules and regulations. Parties who had objections to any ofthe members appointed by the Governor had the window of opportunities to do so before the 24th of January 2025.

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“We insist that no member already accepted by the communities should be removed. Should anyone be removed as demanded by Ilobu people, no replacement will be acceptable to Erin-Osun and Ifon-Osun people”.