The Ifon-Osun Progressive Union has alleged that the people of Ilobu are responsible for the fresh attack on Ifon-Osun farmers, calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to immediately intervene to maintain peace in the domain.
In a letter addressed to Governor Adeleke, signed by the union Chairman, Alh. W.O. Idowu, and Secretary, Mr Adejumo Jamiu Adewuyi, the union alleged that Ilobu thugs are working under the directive of the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II.
They reported to Governor Adeleke that eight persons are behind the attack on Ifon-Osun farmers, demanding their arrest to restore peace.
According to them, “Our farmers, who were peacefully working on Ifon farmlands, have been brutally assaulted, beaten, and macheted by armed individuals from Ilobu, acting under the directive of the
Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II.
“Once again, we, the people of Ifon-Osun, are facing yet, another unprovoked attacks on our land from Ilobu thugs and Olobu killer squad.
“These aggressors continue to exploit our well-known commitment to peace and lawfulness, using it as an opportunity to provoke us while wielding dangerous weapons against our innocent people farming on Ifonland.
“Since 2024, we have endured these provocations, choosing to seek justice through legal means rather than retaliate. We have reported numerous incidents to law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, hoping for justice and protection. Yet, the attacks persist.
“Our farmers, whose only concern is to cultivate their land and provide for their families, now live in constant fear of being chased away, injured, or killed. Despite our patience and commitment to the rule of law, it appears that Ilobu people under the directive of Olobu who are behind these attacks remain emboldened.
“While we remain law-abiding, our patience is being tested. We cannot continue to suffer these repeated acts of aggression on our own land while the perpetrators act without consequences. We call on the Osun State Government to intervene decisively and prevent a full-blown communal crisis. It is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens, and we urge immediate action to stop the people of Ilobu from continuously attacking us with guns and machetes on our own soil.
“We want peace, but peace cannot exist where there is no justice. The time for proactive measures is now. We call on all relevant authorities to hold those responsible accountable, ensure the safety of our people, and restore the harmony that we, as peace-loving indigenes of Ifon-Osun, have always upheld. Let the world know that we seek justice, not violence, but we will not stand by while our people are continuously being harmed.”
