Adeleke threatens to sack Osun monarchs over crisis

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has read a riot act to traditional rulers in the state over violence.

The warning by the Governor is in reaction to the protracting communal clashes in Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu areas of the state .

According to the governor, any monarch in whose domain experience violence henceforth will be removed form office.

Adeleke, who issued the warning in a statement by his Spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo, the state capital, said the affected monarchs risk sack from office if they fail to sustain current peace and de-escalation of the crisis in their communities..

“In the midst of Sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place.

“The security agencies are also speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict. I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.

Recall the state government had relaxed an initial 24 hour indefinite curfew imposed on the three warring communities for the Eid-el-Fitr festival.