A violent communal clash between Ifon in Orolu Local Government and Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government of Osun State has reportedly left over 30 people injured by gunfire, with many others—especially women and children—displaced.
Escalating Land Dispute Turns Violent
The ongoing land dispute between the two communities took a violent turn in the early hours of Friday, with multiple houses and shops set ablaze. Reports indicate that clashes had been brewing in the area, with both sides engaging in sporadic attacks before the latest outbreak of violence.
Youth Demand Government Intervention
Videos circulating on social media show members of the Concerned Youth of Ifon Osun, Orolu Kingdom expressing their frustration over what they describe as repeated attacks from Ilobu residents.
“We can’t keep watching while Ilobu people burn our shops and houses at midnight,” the group stated.
They called on the Osun State Government to urgently intervene, stressing that Ifon’s monarch, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooye III, the Olufon of Ifon Osun, has been urging restraint despite continued aggression.
Ilobu Leaders Deny Attacks, Accuse Ifon of Provocation
However, Chief Leke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, denied any attack on Ifon residents. Instead, he accused Ifon youths of instigating the violence by attacking Ilobu farmers at Agbere Onireke and Opapa, allegedly attempting to kidnap a community leader.
“Since Tuesday, they have been attacking our people on their farmlands. They burned down motorcycles, destroyed houses, and ambushed our people, mostly children and women. We were caught off guard,” Ogunsola claimed.
He further revealed that injured victims, including women and children, were being treated in the palace, where bullets were being extracted through local means.
Authorities Yet to Respond
When contacted, Osun Police spokesperson Akeem Adeoye stated, “We will get back to you soon,” indicating that security forces are still assessing the situation.
The situation remains tense as residents await official intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
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