The communal war between Ifon-Osun and Ilobu communities over land disputes which has claimed scores of lives in the past, could resurface again if not well managed, as another round of the crisis could engulf the towns over the killing of a middle-aged man identified as Sikiru Onaolapo, from Olobo compound in Ilobu.
The incident which said to have occurred at one of the disputed lands of the communities on Tuesday, our reporter gathered, has left residents of the towns to be in a panic situation.
Investigations revealed that, youths of Ilobu who claimed that, it was one of their indigenes that was killed, accused the Icons to be responsible for the killing.
The youths of the town who said, they are now poised for war against the Ifons over the incident, vowed to retaliate the killing in a brutal way.
The development is now however threatening the relative peace of the communities, as youths of the two towns are now at alert for any eventuality.
Speaking on the matter, the Spokesperson for Olobu in the palace, Jagun Olobu, Leke Ogunsola, told newsmen in Osogbo that,”Sikiru Onaolapo is the victim from Olobo compound in Ilobu
According to him, “He went to his farm at Oke Ekutu this morning and he was shot dead. Those close to the scene said the deceased mentioned one Muideen Alabata from Ifon”.
“The demand from the Ilobu community is that, the security agents should get the suspect arrested and do thorough investigation to unravel the issues surrounding the killing”, he said.
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Reacting on behalf of Ifon community, Prince Jide Akinyooye, Secretary, Board of Trustees, Ifon-Orolu Descendants Union, denied the allegation that Ifon indigene killed anyone on the disputed land.
“I am confirming to you authoritatively that, no Ifon indigene is involved in any shooting as they claimed. The place is part of Olufon’s land which the State Government acquired to douse tension between the two communities and they have been the one fanning embers of war. They should look inward rather than trying to blackmail Ifon for their loss”.
“The Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union (IPU) has been made aware of malicious propaganda circulating about the people of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom being responsible for the reported death of an Ilobu man. We strongly deny these allegations and condemn any actions that could lead to a breakdown in law and order.”
“We commend the rapid response of the Osun State Government, led by His Excellency, Asiwaju Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, and all security agencies for ensuring safety and protection in both Irepodun and Orolu State Constituency.”
“The leadership of IPU and community leaders of Orolu Kingdom appreciate the exemplary leadership style of HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III, promoting peace in the area. We also acknowledge the fatherly relationship among traditional leaders in both Orolu/Irepodun State Constituency.”
“We urge security agencies to investigate the allegations surrounding the reported killing and remind residents of Orolu Local Government that the prohibition on fireworks within Orolu Kingdom remains in force.”
“Finally, we congratulate residents and indigenes of Orolu Kingdom on the upcoming 2024 Orolu Day celebration, commencing today and culminating in a grand finale ceremony on Saturday, 7th December, 2024”, he submitted.
Meanwhile, all efforts to get the police to comment on the matter proved abortive as the command spokesperson, Mrs Yemisi Opalola could not be reached for comments.
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