A group of Yoruba elders under the aegis of Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá has called on parties in the renewed conflict between Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun communities in Osun State to embrace peace and end all hostilities.
The group made the call on Saturday in a statement signed by Agbaakin Tunde Adeleke, Worldwide President; Pa Tafa Olawuyi, Secretary General and High Chief Kola Oriolowo,
Publicity Secretary.
They said “As leaders within the Yoruba community, we unequivocally condemn this conflict in strongest term. It is both unjustifiable and irrational. It is incomprehensible that individuals from the same cultural background, who have coexisted peacefully for many years and have engaged in inter-community relationships and marriages, would suddenly turn against one another for any reason.”
Read the full statement below:
Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
egbeagbaitesiwajuyoruba@gmail.com
Date: 22 March, 2025 ESCALATION OF COMMUNAL CONFLICT BETWEEN IFON, ILOBU AND ERIN OSUN IN OSUN STATE: CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE AND END TO HOSTILITIES
Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá has observed with deep concern the recent surge of violence and the senseless loss of lives and properties between the Yoruba communities of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu in Osun State.
According to media reports, the latest outbreak of violence has resulted in loss of many lives and properties.
As leaders within the Yoruba community, we unequivocally condemn this conflict in strongest term. It is both unjustifiable and irrational. It is incomprehensible that individuals from the same cultural background, who have coexisted peacefully for many years and have engaged in inter-community relationships and marriages, would suddenly turn against one another for any reason.
We earnestly urge the communities to embrace peace and to implement a ceasefire, thereby bringing an end to this communal strife.
We would like to remind the parties involved that only in a peaceful and harmonious environment can the development we all aspire to be realized.
We commend the efforts of our Kabiyesi, the Olufon of Ifon, His Royal Majesty, Oba Peter Akinyooye, Olobu of Ilobu, Ọba Ashiru Olaniyan and Elerin of Erin Osun, Ọba Yusuf Omoloye for their initiatives aimed at restoring peace. However, we encourage them to intensify their efforts to achieve lasting tranquility, as no sacrifice is too great for the sake of peace.
We also acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the security agencies in their pursuit of a sustainable resolution to this crisis. We implore them to further enhance their initiatives to foster enduring peace.
We call for immediate conclusion of the work of the committee recently put in place by the governor and release of its recommendations as a way of achieving enduring peace in the communities.
Agbaakin Tunde Adeleke
Worldwide President
Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá
Pa Tafa Olawuyi
Secretary General
High Chief Kola Oriolowo
Publicity Secretary