The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has announced the immediate relaxation of the curfew previously imposed on the three communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, which had been affected by violent conflicts.
This decision was conveyed in an official statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, and made available to the press on Saturday. The easing of the curfew comes in response to the significant progress toward restoring peace in the troubled communities, particularly to facilitate smooth and peaceful celebrations of the forthcoming Eid El Kabir festival.
In the statement, Governor Adeleke expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, saying, “With the near-complete restoration of peace in the communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, it is with great joy, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, that I announce a modification of the existing curfew. The previous curfew hours from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. will now be adjusted to 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., effective from Sunday, 25th May 2025.”
The governor commended the residents and stakeholders of the three towns for their commitment to peace and urged them to maintain this positive momentum. However, he also emphasized the continued presence of security forces, directing a combined contingent of the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence to maintain 24-hour surveillance in the affected areas to prevent any resurgence of violence.
Mr. Adeleke concluded his message by extending warm wishes for a joyous Eid El Kabir to both Muslim and non-Muslim residents of Ifon, Ilobu, Erin-Osun, and the entire Osun State.
Commissioner Kolapo Alimi further clarified that the curfew hours have officially been shortened from the original 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. restriction to the newly stipulated 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. timeframe.
The governor also issued a stern warning to all stakeholders, particularly the traditional rulers of the communities, urging them to ensure their subjects continue to uphold peace and harmony. “Any traditional ruler whose subjects are found to be obstructing the peace process in any of the three communities will be held accountable and face the full force of the law,” he warned.
The violent clashes among hoodlums from Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun erupted in March following disputes over community boundaries, resulting in loss of lives and significant property damage. The escalating unrest necessitated the imposition of the curfew by the state government to restore order and security.