By John Dike, Osogbo
Barely 24 hours after the announcement of the demise of the traditional ruler of Igbajo and former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the community.
Reports indicated that the government’s decision followed credible intelligence from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Barr. Samuel Ojo, which revealed a breakdown of law and order in Igbajo, Boluwaduro Local Government Area, from late last night into the early hours of Monday.
Reacting to the development, the governor announced a total lockdown of the town, stating that the curfew takes immediate effect and will remain in place until normalcy is fully restored.
The unrest in the town was said to be linked to rising tensions following the passing of Oba Famodun, who died last week Saturday after a brief illness.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke condemned the disturbances and stressed that his administration would not tolerate any act of civil disobedience capable of disrupting the peace and harmony currently being enjoyed across the state.
The Governor issued a stern warning to all residents—both indigenes and non-indigenes—to remain calm and lawful, adding that anyone involved in acts capable of further destabilizing the community would face the full weight of the law.
Quoting Governor Adeleke, the statement read: “It is with deep shock and dismay that I received the sad news of the breakdown of law and order in Igbajo between last night and the early hours of today.
“As a government committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring peace at all times, we will not fold our arms and allow disorder in any part of the state.
“Therefore, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I hereby declare, with immediate effect, a total lockdown of the town pending the restoration of orderliness and harmonious coexistence in the hitherto peaceful Igbajo community.”
He further directed a combined team of security personnel—including the Army, Police, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—to take charge of the town and maintain round-the-clock surveillance.
Adeleke also extended renewed condolences to the family of the departed Oba Famodun and the entire Igbajo community, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
