Following the persistence of the crisis between Ilobu and Ifon-Osun in Irepodun and Orolu local government areas, the Osun State Government has inaugurated a 100-man committee to resolve the crisis between the communities.
Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi inaugurated the committee on Monday in Osogbo.
Heading the committee are the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and Justice Moshood Adeigbe (rtd) as chairman and co-chairman.
Addressing the committee and the media, Adewusi said the government is deeply concerned by the crisis at it is affecting the development of the area.
He said the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke is committed to finding permanent solution to the crisis within the communities and will do everything possible to achieve it.
He said, “Our government is deeply concerned about the incessant disputes among the communities of Ifon and Ilobu. In view of recent developments and in a bid to prevent further escalation, our administration has initiated a process that will guarantee a lasting peace in the affected communities.
The new initiative has external leaders as part of the conflict resolution team. The goal is to once and for all mediate and finally put an end to the crisis.
The administration frowns at any attempt to politicise the crisis. We particularly warn those masquerading under communal struggle for political agenda to stay away from the issue. We will no longer tolerate playing politics with the lives of our people.
It is in realisation of the urgency of the matter that I set up this enlarged land crisis resolution committee on the Ifon- Ilobu boundary crisis. Erin Osun has also been added to the enlarged committee.”
Each of the affected communities has twenty-five representatives each, while the State Government will also be represented by twenty – five members.
Four other revered traditional rulers, as well as other individuals chosen by the government, will serve as members of the committee.
This committee is given two weeks to carry out its findings and submit the reports to the Osun State Government.