Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá, a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has issued a strong statement condemning the escalating violence between the communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun in Osun State. The group has called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities following reports of significant loss of lives and destruction of properties.
In a press release dated March 22, 2025, the organization expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violence, describing it as “senseless” and “unjustifiable.” The conflict, which has reportedly claimed many lives and caused extensive damage, has shocked leaders and residents alike, particularly given the long history of peaceful coexistence and inter-community relationships among the affected towns.
The statement, signed by Agbaakin Tunde Adeleke, Worldwide President of Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá, emphasized the irrationality of the conflict, stating, “It is incomprehensible that individuals from the same cultural background, who have coexisted peacefully for many years and have engaged in inter-community relationships and marriages, would suddenly turn against one another for any reason.”
The organization urged the communities to embrace peace and implement a ceasefire, reminding them that only in a peaceful environment can meaningful development be achieved. “We earnestly urge the communities to embrace peace and to implement a ceasefire, thereby bringing an end to this communal strife,” the statement read.
Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá also commended the efforts of traditional rulers, including the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye; the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan; and the Elerin of Erin Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye, for their initiatives aimed at restoring peace. However, the group called on the monarchs to intensify their efforts, stating that “no sacrifice is too great for the sake of peace.”
The organization also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and security agencies in addressing the crisis. It urged the governor to expedite the work of the committee recently established to resolve the conflict and release its recommendations as a step toward achieving lasting peace.
In conclusion, Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá reiterated its commitment to promoting unity and development within the Yoruba community and called on all stakeholders to prioritize peace and dialogue over violence. “We remind the parties involved that only in a peaceful and harmonious environment can the development we all aspire to be realized,” the statement emphasized.
The organization’s leadership, including Secretary General Pa Tafa Olawuyi and Publicity Secretary High Chief Kola Oriolowo, signed off with a plea for immediate action to end the bloodshed and restore normalcy to the affected communities.
As the situation remains tense, the call for peace by Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá highlights the urgent need for collective efforts to resolve the conflict and prevent further loss of lives and properties in Osun State.
