Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has warned that traditional rulers who fail to ensure peace in their communities will be removed from office.
In a statement released by his media aide, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, Governor Adeleke stated that action would be taken against traditional rulers in Ifon and Ilobu/Erin-Osun in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas if they fail to prevent further violence and effectively manage ongoing crises.
The governor’s warning comes after reports emerged of certain groups planning new conflicts in the affected areas.
“During the Sallah celebrations, I was informed about plans to reignite violence in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun towns,” Governor Adeleke said.
He assured that security agencies had heightened surveillance in the region and were expediting investigations into key figures involved in the unrest.
“The peace deals being signed by these communities must be taken seriously, and the leaders will be held fully accountable. They will be held responsible under the law,” he added.
The governor also clarified that the curfew had been relaxed on humanitarian grounds, to alleviate the hardships faced by innocent citizens, but warned that any attempt to exploit this adjustment for violence would lead to the re-imposition of a 24-hour curfew.
“I will not hesitate to remove any traditional ruler whose community is affected by violence again. This is non-negotiable,” he stated firmly.
Governor Adeleke concluded by asserting, “Enough is enough. I will take decisive action to ensure that peace is restored.”