PRESS RELEASE BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OBA PETER OLUWOLE IPADEOLA, AKINYOOYE III, THE OLUFON OF IFON-OSUN, OROLU KINGDOM, AND THE PRESIDENT OF IREPODUN AND OROLU TRADITIONAL COUNCIL ON IFON-OSUN, ILOBU AND ERIN-OSUN COMMUNAL CLASHES
Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom, Osun State
22nd March, 2025
www.ifonorolu.org
A CALL FOR PEACE, UNITY, AND THE RESTORATION OF NORMALCY IN OUR COMMUNITIES
With a heavy heart but unwavering resolve, I, His Royal Majesty, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola, Akinyooye III, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom, and the Paramount Ruler of Irepodun and Orolu Traditional Council, address the people of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, Erin-Osun, the entire Osun State, and by extension, Nigeria on the unfortunate communal crisis that has disrupted the long-standing peace that we once cherished.
I use this medium to call on the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, and the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuff Omoloye Oyagbodun, to cease all forms of conflict and let us join hands to restore peace and unity in our lands. As fathers of our respective domains, the responsibility falls on us to ensure that our people return to the path of harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect. No kingdom thrives in the face of strife, and no people develop in the midst of chaos. It is time to end the hostilities and work together as traditional leaders to heal the wounds inflicted by this crisis and guide our people back to peaceful co-existence.
I appeal to all indigenes of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, who have been affected and displaced by this unfortunate incident to return home with the spirit of community that we once enjoyed. We are bound by history, culture, and kinship; let us not allow conflict to tear us apart. The prosperity of our people depends on our unity. Let us look beyond past grievances, personal greeds and work collectively to rebuild our communities.
I sincerely appreciate the prompt and passionate intervention of His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, for taking decisive steps to arrest the situation. His leadership at this critical moment is commendable, and I urge the state government to leave no stone unturned in investigating those behind these heinous acts of violence. No matter the misinformation or propaganda circulating on the internet, the truth must prevail, and the perpetrators of these evils must be brought to justice. Peace cannot be achieved without justice, and as a people, we must uphold fairness, truth, and accountability.
Furthermore, I strongly caution those attempting to politicise this communal clash for their selfish interests. Such actions are dangerous, reckless, and a betrayal of the people they claim to serve. I warn that anyone found fueling this crisis for political gain will not only be exposed but also face the wrath of God and the full weight of the law. I call on security agencies to investigate and bring to book, those who are fanning the flames of discord and destabilisation. Our communities deserve peace, not political manipulation.
Finally, I urge every son and daughter of Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun to embrace peace, shun violence, and allow normalcy to return to our land. No more blood should be shed, no more homes should be destroyed, and no more livelihoods should be lost. Let us replace hostility with dialogue, anger with understanding, and division with unity. We are stronger together.
May the spirit of our ancestors guide us towards lasting peace, and may our communities flourish once again in love and harmony.
Long live Ifon-Osun!
Long live Ilobu!
Long live Erin-Osun!
Long live Osun State!
His Royal Majesty,
Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola, Akinyooye III
The Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom
Deputy Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas,
President, Irepodun/Orolu Traditional Council