Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ifon and Ilobu communities following renewed violent clashes over a disputed land. This measure aims to restore peace after recent conflicts claimed over 40 lives and caused extensive property damage.
The latest clashes began on Monday, escalating before security operatives intervened. The Osun State government, represented by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, announced the curfew on January 16. Effective from 7 PM to 7 AM, the curfew will remain in place until further notice.
Despite the curfew, violence persisted as a student from Westland Polytechnic, Ilobu, was reportedly shot dead near the palace. Pastor Olufemi Salako, National President of the Ilobu Development Union (IDU), condemned the killing and called for immediate action by security forces to apprehend those responsible.
The longstanding dispute over land ownership has led to repeated clashes in 2023, 2024, and now in 2025. Governor Adeleke had earlier declared the disputed land a buffer zone, but tensions between the communities of Ifon in Orolu Local Government and Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government remain unresolved.
