A former councilor from Ifon Orolu in Osun State, identified as Azeez, has reportedly been killed following renewed violence over a boundary dispute between the Ifon and Ilobu communities.
The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear. However, a resident of Ifon, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, confirmed that Azeez was pronounced dead early Friday morning at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo. Reports also indicate that multiple homes were set on fire during the clashes.
Yusuf Adekunle, media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, confirmed the tragic incident and accused Ilobu residents of instigating the attack. However, Adegoke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, dismissed the allegation, instead claiming that Ifon residents were responsible for the violence, which resulted in several injuries.
Adekunle alleged that Ilobu attackers had made repeated attempts to harm Ifon residents, prompting multiple reports to security agencies. “Between the 13th and 20th of this month, we submitted petitions to the governor and law enforcement. Then, around 11 p.m. last night, gunfire erupted again, and our people’s homes were set ablaze,” he stated.
He further claimed that several areas, including Akinponroro and Odo Oje, were affected. He also alleged that a woman was locked inside her home before it was torched and that a government-owned primary healthcare center in Akinponroro was destroyed.
In contrast, Ogunsola accused Ifon residents of launching the initial attacks. “The violence began five days ago when our people were ambushed on their farms in Gbere Onireke and Opapa,” he said.
He recounted an incident on Tuesday in which Liasu Ishola, the Baale of Opapa, was attacked and nearly abducted. Fortunately, nearby farmers and bricklayers working on his house intervened and rescued him.
Ogunsola also described an attack on Wednesday, where Oseni Salawudeen and his family, along with a farmer named Prince Gbadamosi, were targeted. “Gbadamosi was shot but survived. When we reported it to the police, they said they couldn’t enter the bush. As a result, we mobilized to retrieve burnt motorcycles from the scene and took them to the police station,” he added.
In response to the escalating violence, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke directed security forces to intervene and restore peace. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor condemned any attempts to politicize the crisis and instructed security agencies to arrest those responsible.
Adeleke also urged the peace committee to revive past agreements and work toward an immediate ceasefire to protect lives and property.
