‘I’ll wield the big stick’ — Adeleke threatens to depose Osun monarchs over communal clashes

‘I’ll wield the big stick’ — Adeleke threatens to depose Osun monarchs over communal clashes

 Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun, has threatened to
depose traditional rulers in conflict-ridden communities if they fail to curb
communal clashes in their domains.

 

The governor’s warning comes after renewed clashes in Ifon,
Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, resulting in deaths and destruction, prompting the state
government to impose a curfew.

 

The conflict, rooted in a long-standing land dispute,
escalated in early March, leading to the burning of houses across the three
communities in Orolu and Irepodun LGAs.

 

On March 28, the Osun governor relaxed the 24-hour curfew
imposed in the affected communities to 17 hours–from 2pm to 7am–following
renewed communal clashes.

 

A statement by Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke’s spokesperson, said
the governor issued the warning in response to online reports about faceless
groups planning further attacks in the conflict areas.

 

“In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some
people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun
towns,” the statement reads.

 

“The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure
no attacks take place and are speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains
and actors in the conflict.

 

“I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace
undertaking they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable.
There will be accountability before the law.”

 

Adeleke said he relaxed the curfew on “humanitarian
grounds,” citing the suffering of innocent people caused by a few individuals
instigating violence.

 

He added that any attempt to exploit the gesture for a
renewed violence would result in the full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

 

“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional
ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table,” the governor warned.

 

“Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to
order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough.”

Source: ‘I’ll wield the big stick’ — Adeleke threatens to depose Osun monarchs over communal clashes

 - NigerianEye
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