The Osun State Government has decided to relax the curfew imposed on the Erin-Osun, Ifon, and Ilobu communities, reducing it from 17 hours to 12 hours daily.
This announcement was made by Governor Ademola Adeleke through a statement issued by Kolapo Alimi, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Tuesday.
The governor noted that the decision comes as peace gradually returns to the three conflict-stricken communities in the Irepodun and Ifon-Orolu local governments.
Governor Adeleke attributed the curfew’s relaxation to positive security reports indicating a growing ceasefire in the affected areas.
He said, “Accordingly, the Governor has directed that the curfew should, beginning from today, Tuesday (08/4/25), commence from 7pm to 7am daily until further notice.”
He continued, expressing his satisfaction with the progress made, “Now that peace is gaining centre stage on a daily basis, it gladdens my heart, as the Governor and Chief Security Officer of Osun State, to announce the relaxation of the curfew earlier imposed on Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun communities from 17 hours to 12 hours daily, with effect from today.”
The governor reassured the public of his continued commitment to resolving the communal conflict, emphasizing the role of traditional rulers in fostering peace.
“So far, I am equally happy to say that the traditional rulers of the three communities and their subjects have been living up to the desired expectations in ensuring a gradual return to peace. This is good and heartwarming. I urge them to keep the tempo high in this regard.”
He also highlighted the importance of the change in curfew timing for students preparing for exams like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, saying, “In the same vein, the new trend in the time frame of the curfew will also allow our children, who wish to write WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations, to do so without any form of hindrance, as we cannot allow their future to be mortgaged.”
Despite the relaxation, Governor Adeleke emphasized the need for continued vigilance. “However, I am still directing that the joint security team, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, should continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.”
He reiterated the importance of cooperation among all parties involved to achieve lasting peace. “This is not without reiterating the need for all stakeholders to cooperate by embracing the much-sought peace in the three communities, as anyone, group or community caught or found wanting in fomenting or aiding the crisis in any way will be made to face the music in line with the dictates of Nigerian law.”
Governor Adeleke also urged the crisis resolution committee, set up by his administration earlier, to expedite their efforts in finding a lasting solution.
“I am seizing this opportunity to, once again, remind and direct the 100-member crisis resolution committee on Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun communal mayhem, set up by this administration in the wake of the crisis a few months ago, to expedite their assignments in order to find a lasting solution to the problem. My administration and the entire people of Osun State will not settle for less from your committee in providing us with a pathway towards ensuring a lasting resolution to the age-old communal disputes.”
The governor called on all community members to work together for peace and development.
“I urge all sons and daughters of the three communities, both at home and in the diaspora, to cooperate with me and my administration to bring this crisis to an end once and for all. It is only in an atmosphere of peace and unity that the much-sought growth and development can be achieved in the three communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun, as well as the entire state.”
In March, the state government imposed a curfew in response to escalating violence between the communities.
Initially set from dusk to dawn, the curfew was later extended to 24 hours and expanded to include Erin-Osun. Prior to Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, the curfew was relaxed to 17 hours before the most recent adjustment.
