Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared that he will not hesitate to wield the big stick and dethrone any erring traditional ruler who failed to sustain peace in his domain.
He gave the warning to particularly stem the tide of communal clashes in Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun communities in the state.
As part of the efforts to sustain the fragile peace in communal clashes-ridden communities, the governor warned traditional rulers of the affected communities to sustain peace or face dethronement.
He emphatically warned the traditional rulers of the three communities to either firmly maintain peace in their communities or stand the risk of removal from their stools.
Adeleke declared in a release on Monday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that “enough is enough.”
He warned of stern state action against traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu communities, if they fail to sustain the current peace and de-escalation of the communal clashes in their communities.
As contained in the release, the governor issued the warning against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas were planning another round of attacks.
“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”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying in the press release.
