TOM Laments Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Communal Crisis, Criticizes Gov Adeleke Over Governance Issues

By Boluwatife Adedokun, Osogbo

The Osun Masterminds, a coalition of civil society organizations, has condemned the recent communal clashes between Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities, describing the violence as “shameful and unfortunate.”

Speaking during a press conference in Osogbo on Friday, the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, expressed disappointment over the state government’s slow and inadequate response to the crisis, despite eventually setting up Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

“It is disgraceful that in 2025, a state like Osun, known for its educated populace, is still grappling with bloody communal clashes,” Oyedokun-Alli said.

“The government’s response has been far from proactive, and there is an urgent need for decisive and lasting solutions that address underlying political and ancestral causes.”

The coalition urged the state government to engage past governors, royal fathers, and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to the crisis.

They also called on federal legislators representing the affected communities to take responsibility by involving the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief for displaced persons.

The group further criticized the Adeleke administration for its handling of local government administration, alleging that the state’s local councils have been paralyzed due to political interference and the failure of newly sworn-in local government chairmen to assume their duties.

“The dysfunctional state of local governments is a direct consequence of political bickering and neglect. Local councils are essential for grassroots development, and their inactivity adversely affects the people,” Oyedokun-Alli said.

The coalition called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to prioritize peaceful resolution of the conflict by seeking legal clarifications from the courts or collaborating with the Attorney-General of the Federation to address the impasse.

The Osun Masterminds also decried the delay in recruiting teachers and health workers, saying it threatens the development of education and healthcare in the state. They warned that continued neglect of manpower needs would hinder the state’s progress.

“Almost three years into the administration, it is unacceptable that critical manpower for education and health has not been recruited. This negligence not only undermines service delivery but also jeopardizes the future of our state,” Oyedokun-Alli stated.

The group urged the government to expedite recruitment processes to address manpower shortages in schools and health centers.