Osogbo, Osun State – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has issued a stern warning regarding the disputed land parcel between Orolu and Irepodun local governments, asserting that the state government has taken possession of the land. He also announced that he has secured the cooperation of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to deploy military personnel to maintain law and order in both communities.
Governor Adeleke expressed his displeasure with the ongoing clashes, emphasizing that they have the potential to deter investors from the state. He declared the government’s seizure of the contested land and issued a directive to security forces to take action against anyone who defies this order.
Furthermore, the governor disclosed that he had received assurances from Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who pledged to deploy soldiers to the affected communities in support of the Nigerian Police’s efforts to restore peace.
Governor Adeleke urged caution among those seeking to cause unrest, emphasizing that any attempts to sabotage the peacekeeping efforts would not succeed. He underscored the need for peaceful resolution of the land dispute, which has resulted in the loss of lives and posed a threat to the state’s economic prospects.
The governor called upon local chiefs, community leaders, and kings to take responsibility for maintaining order among their subjects. He warned against the use of force and military deployment, highlighting that such actions would be punitive for both communities and could be avoided through peaceful dialogue and cooperation.