A sociocultural group in Osun State, Dee Osun Monitors, has blamed leniency of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the handling of Ifon-Osun and Ilobu crisis for the persistence of the dispute.
The group in a statement by its coordinator and assistant coordinator, Prince Jide Akinyooye and Faluade Rasheed, on Sunday, commend Governor Adeleke for his transparent and fair handling of the boundary crisis as well as his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all citizens is laudable.
It expressed concern about intentions of some politicians to politicise the dispute, saying that “the fact is that the Osun State Government has been too lenient in the past by failing to holistically deal with identified issues regarding the Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun boundary issues, and that is why a few selfish individuals are making a discreet attempt to take undue advantage for political reasons.”
The group condemned the purported statement of Ilobu Descendants Union to the president, describing it as an attempt to call for a state of emergency.
“We considered the recent public outcry of Ilobu Descendants Union to seek the attention of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to intervene in community problems and challenges of this nature as a political ploy to call for a state of emergency!
“Therefore, we perceive such act as a deliberate effort to sabotage efforts of a dedicated and responsible state government of Osun State. Hence, we strongly condemn such acts in its totality. Such actions are unwarranted and would only exacerbate the situation.
“For instance, how can one imagine a community like Ilobu, merely a town under Irepodun Local Government comprising also Erin-Osun community with official projected population figures of 155,200 as at 31st December, 2022, claiming that over 100,000 people have been displayed.
“It would imply that 75% of the entire population of the Local Government has been displaced! This is certainly a fraudulent means of seeking public sympathy and it is immoral, deceitful and unwarranted,” the group said.
It appealed to the state government to follow due process and create clear boundary demarcations among the warring communities once the findings and recommendations of the ongoing Boundary Resolution Committee is made, urging all parties in Ifon, Ilobu & Erin-Osun stakeholders to adhere to the rule of law and respect the ongoing peace process.
“We want to call all political leaders in the area to champion the course of ensuring that peace and lasting resolution is achieved for the sake of generations yet unborn.
“We implore all parties to prioritize peace, dialogue, and cooperation in resolving the boundary dispute. We are confident that with collective effort and commitment, Osun State Government and people of the affected areas can overcome the recurring boundary dispute challenge and emerge stronger and more united,” the group said.
