Farm owners of Ilobu, whose farmlands are situated in Oyo State have called on the Osun State Government for immediate intervention after several harassment and attacks from the Ifon-Osun people.
According to the statement read during the press conference on Wednesday by the National Public Relations Officer of Ilobu-Asake Development Union, Mr Tairu Babatunde revealed that the farmers have been having reoccurring harassment after the peace treaty was signed.
The statement reads : ” The Osun State Government midwifed a peace deal between Ilobu and Ifon-Osun following the crisis that was caused by overzealousness of some elements in Ifon-Osun.
“You’ll also recall the commitment of Ilobu to peaceful resolution and coexistence as echoed by the President of Ilobu-Asake Development Union, Pastor Olufemi Salako during the November 6th press briefing held inside this hall.
” This stand was re-echoed and made more public by the Olobu of Llobu, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan who emphasized the importance of unity in his speech at the llobu Day Celebration held at the playground of St Pauls Grammar School on November 11, 2023, this has been exhibited by Ilobu sons and daughters in both their private and public conducts.
“However, disheartening and shocking that despite this olive branch extended by the people of Ilobu to our neighbors, most particularly, the people of Ifon-Osun, what we receive is more attacks, dehumanization, destruction of properties and harassment of our people.
“I want to tell you that since the ceasefire was declared, our people who are plying their trades in villages such as Oloso, Idi-Triko, Owode and several other villages in Oyo State have not been allowed to witness peace. It has been attacks over attacks. Harassment and torture.
“Several farmlands invaded by people of Ifon-Osun whose name will be mentioned by victims that are here today.
“We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of everyone mentioned including Jide Akinyooye and the Eesa of Ifon, Babatunde Oyetunji.
“We want to implore the State government to continue engagement as no engagement has been held since October 6th when the peace deal was signed.
“We also want the agents of the government, particularly, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Adekunle Omoyele to stop acting like an agent of lfon people.
“The recent arrest of tipper drivers in Ilobu which was coordinated by him without recourse to Ilobu Divisional Police who have been at the center of managing this crisis, necessitated this call”, the statement ended.
