Tensions between the Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State escalated again on Tuesday, as gunmen reportedly shot two people, intensifying the long-standing land dispute. This incident follows previous clashes in 2023 and early 2024, which led to fatalities, property damage, and displacement.
Jide Akinyooye, national secretary of the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, confirmed that the attack was carried out by gunmen from Ilobu, leaving two Ifon residents injured and others displaced. Akinyooye condemned the violence, calling it a blatant disregard for life and the efforts of the Osun State government to mediate the conflict.
He urged the state government to take immediate action, stating, “Despite the government’s efforts to resolve the dispute at the Opapa buffer zone, the Ilobu community continues to engage in violent clashes, putting innocent lives at risk.”
Akinyooye also noted that the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola, has continuously advised his people not to take the law into their own hands.
In response, Leke Ogunsola, Otun Jagun of Ilobu, accused Ifon-Orolu residents of reigniting the violence, claiming they launched an attack on the Ganga Akinpororo community in Ilobu, destroying property and forcing residents to flee.
Ogunsola described how, around noon, gunmen from Ifon-Osun attacked the Akinpororo community. Despite the chaos, some residents stayed behind to defend their properties.
He praised the quick response of security forces, including the Police, Nigerian Army, and NSCDC, and urged them not to withdraw their presence. Ogunsola also noted that Ifon-Orolu had issued a threat, demanding the state government and Ilobu vacate a disputed land within 14 days or face further clashes.
As of now, the Osun State government has not released any statement regarding the renewed tensions.
