From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The hostilities between Ifon in Orolu Local Government and Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government of Osun State has been renewed with the two communities engaging in gunshots.
Fracas broke early hours of Tuesday and the gunshots caused panic and apprehension to residents and travellers along the two communities.
In a statement made available to journalists on behalf of Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, Prince Jide Akinyooye, appealed to the government to rise up to the occasion and ensure arrest of those behind the renewed clash.
Akinyooye disclosed that two indigenes of Ifon have been rushed to the hospital as a result of gun injury, noting that the shooting has led to displacement of some residents of Odoje and Golden Gate areas in Ifon.
“This brazen disregard for human life and the directives of the Osun State Government and security agencies is unacceptable.
“Despite the efforts of the Osun State Government to resolve the land dispute at the Opapa buffer zone, the Ilobu community has continued to engage in violent clashes, putting the lives of innocent people at risk.
“We urge the Osun State Government to take immediate action to address this situation and ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.
“We want to put it on record that despite the fact that our people in the affected are still under siege; His Royal Majesty Oba Alayeluwa Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III; the Aremo-Obatala of the Universe and Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom has continued to maintain that Oroluans should not take laws into their hands.
“We appreciate the efforts of the Osun State Government in preferring solutions to address the communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu communities. However, we urge the government to take more decisive actions to prevent further loss of life and property by providing security for Orolu people, especially that Ilobu community leaders have no respect for constituted authority.
“We remain committed to peaceful coexistence and urge all Ifon-Orolu people to continue supporting the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union towards a resolution that will benefit everyone,” Akinyooye said.
Reacting on behalf of Ilobu, Bar Adegoke Ogunsola, told Daily Sun that he was not aware that anybody was rushed to the hospital.
He said, “I’m aware that around 12 midnight, gunmen from Ifon-Osun invaded a community called Ganga in Ilobu and Akinpororo community. They came in large number and they started shooting and destroying properties. Those who owned property also came out to defend their properties,” Ogunsola said.