The 100-man panel set up by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke to broker peace between Ilobu and Ifon-Orolu communities over incessant clashes over land boundary has suffered setback as stakeholders bicker over integrity of committee leaders.
Governor Adeleke had constituted the reconcilation committee comprising of 25 members each from the communities and government representatives following several deadly battles between Ilobu (Irepodun local council) and Ifon (Orolu local council) which led to killings and loss of property.
Meanwhile, the committee failed to progress on its task following Ilobu community’s withdrawal from the sitting of the panel.
Announcing its withdrawal on Wednesday, the community accused the panel chairman, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and Co-chairman, retired Justice Adekunle Adeigbe of compromise.
In a petition addressed to Adeleke and chairmen of the panel and others dated February 4th 2025 which was signed by High Chiefs, Jimoh Ashiru, Johnson Oladapo and three others, Ilobu people said their decision on inclusion of memorandum of Okanla family as part of document to be considered formed part of reasons for their pull-out from the panel.
“We raise a serious objection to the inclusion and/or participation of the nominees of the representatives of Okanla family in the sitting of the Committee, whether now or later.
“The information at our disposal, which has been verified, is that the HRM, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo and Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd.), Chairman, and Co-Chairman respectively of the committee and a member, namely Special Adviser (Security) to the Osun State Governor, Mr. Samuel A. Ojo, in the course of performing the assignment of the committee, have been seriously compromised.
“It our strong contention and conclusion that the presence of or continued participation of the three aforementioned people will erode the credibility of the committee, but llobu Community will not accept the outcome or report of the committee,” their letter of compliant read.
However, Ifon and Erin-Osun communities in a joint communique signed by Adejumo Jamiu and Yekeen Sodiq, the two towns rejected the suspension of the committee’s proceedings hinged on complaints of Ilobu community.
The communique read, “We the people of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun categorically state that we vehemently oppose the halting of the work of the Committee or the removal of any of the 25 members appointed by the Government.
“We enjoin the state government to be decisive and resolute in following its own rules and regulations. Parties who had objections to any of the members appointed by the Governor had the window of opportunities to do so before the 24th of January 2025.
“We insist that no member already accepted by the communities should be removed. Should anyone be removed as demanded by Ilobu people, no replacement will be acceptable to Erin-Osun and Ifon-Osun people.”
