Governor of Osun State Ademola Adeleke, has announced a relaxation of the previously imposed 24-hour curfew in the Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin communities, which have recently been at the center of violent communal clashes. Effective from Friday, March 28, 2025, the new curfew hours will run from 2:00 PM to 7:00 AM the following day. This adjusted curfew will remain in place until further notice.
The decision to ease the curfew was revealed in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday. The original 24-hour curfew had been imposed following the escalation of violence stemming from boundary disputes between Ifon and Ilobu in the early hours of last Friday. The conflict later spread to Erin Osun the next day, further deepening the unrest.
The violent clashes resulted in casualties and the destruction of numerous homes, forcing many residents to flee to nearby towns such as Okinni, Osogbo, and Ido Osun for safety.
In light of the situation, Governor Adeleke made the decision to relax the curfew in a bid to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities and allow residents to tend to their immediate needs. “The relaxation of the curfew is intended to provide relief to the residents, giving them the chance to manage their urgent concerns,” Rasheed explained.
While the Governor expressed satisfaction with the cessation of hostilities, he condemned a recent report of another killing related to the clashes. The police have made an arrest in connection with the incident. Governor Adeleke warned that any individuals or groups found responsible for inciting violence would face severe consequences.
In response to ongoing security concerns, the Governor instructed the joint security task force to maintain heightened surveillance and ensure a zero-tolerance policy for lawlessness. Additionally, Adeleke has directed the state’s emergency agency to step up efforts in providing support to the displaced residents.
The relaxation of the curfew marks a significant step toward restoring peace in the affected communities, with authorities keen to prevent further violence and assist those displaced by the unrest.
