•Urges state government to create clear boundary demarcation among warring communities
A socio-cultural group, Dee Osun Monitors, has urged opposition parties not to politicise the boundary disputes between Ifon, Erin and Ilobu communities.
The group also described the call by the Ilobu Descendants Union for President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the dispute as a political ploy to call for a state of emergency.
The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Prince Jide Akinyooye, and Assistant Coordinator, Mr Faluade Rasheed, urged the State Government to follow due process and create clear boundary demarcations among the warring communities once the findings and recommendations of the ongoing boundary resolution committee are made available.
The statement read, “We, Dee Osun Monitors, write to bring to your attention the pressing issues surrounding the boundary crisis between Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun. As independent monitors and a registered pan socio-cultural group in Osun State, we also presented memorandum to the Boundary Resolution Committee that was set up by the Osun State Government on Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun crisis.
“We note that Ilobu Community through a Press Statement by Ilobu Descendants Union intimated the President, Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Directorate of State Security Services to the attacks from neighboring Ifon and Erin-Osun Communities. For the record, our objective is to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting the facts and urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.
“We commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for his transparent and fair handling of the boundary crisis. His commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all citizens is laudable. We sincerely commend the Governor for previous meetings and the latest meeting on Saturday, 22nd March, 2025 with all the stakeholders including all the traditional rulers in the affected area. We note that the efforts have begun to restore peace to the affected areas.
“Regrettably, some parties involved have deliberately disrespected the Osun State Government’s orders, particularly at the government buffer zone in Opapa. This blatant disregard for authority undermines the peace process and perpetuates tension. Why will people refuse to respect constituted authorities and still expect normalcy?
“We are concerned about the malicious intentions of opposition and politically motivated individuals who seek to politicize the boundary resolution matter. Their actions are detrimental to the peace and stability of Osun State. The fact is that the Osun State Government has been too lenient in the past by failing to holistically deal with identified issues regarding the Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun boundary issues, and that is why a few selfish individuals are making a discreet attempt to take undue advantage for political reasons.
“We considered the recent public outcry of Ilobu Descendants Union to seek the attention of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to intervene in community problems and challenges of this nature as a political ploy to call for a state of emergency! Therefore, we perceive such act as a deliberate effort to sabotage efforts of a dedicated and responsible state government of Osun State. Hence, we strongly condemn such acts in its totality. Such actions are unwarranted and would only exacerbate the situation. For instance, how can one imagine a community like Ilobu, merely a town under Irepodun Local Government comprising also Erin-Osun community with official projected population figures of 155,200 as at 31st December, 2022, claiming that over 100,000 people have been displayed. It would imply that 75% of the entire popoluation of the Local Government has been displaced! This is certainly a fraudulent means of seeking public sympathy and it is immoral, deceitful and unwarranted.
“We urge all parties in Ifon, Ilobu & Erin-Osun stakeholders to adhere to the rule of law and respect the ongoing peace process. It is essential to prioritize dialogue, understanding, and cooperation to resolve the boundary dispute.
“We call on the Osun State Government to follow due process and create clear boundary demarcations among the warring communities once the findings and recommendations of the ongiong Boundary Resolution Committee is made available.
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“We dismiss the facts and reasons presented to Your Excellency regarding the involvement in the boundary resolution matter as fallacious, fraudulent, and ill-planned. We urge you to be cautious of such misinformation and instead focus on supporting a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
“In conclusion, we want to call all political leaders in the area to champion the course of ensuring that peace and lasting resolution is achieved for the sake of generations yet unborn. We implore all parties to prioritize peace, dialogue, and cooperation in resolving the boundary dispute. We are confident that with collective effort and commitment, Osun State Government and people of the affected areas can overcome the recurring boundary dispute challenge and emerge stronger and more united.”
