Oyetola Condoles Families Of Ifon/Ilobu Communal Violence Victims, Urges Dialogue, Peace

Immediate past governor  of Osun state, who is currently  the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday, urged the warring factions in the ancient towns of Ifon-Osun and Ilobu in Orolu Local Government and Irepodun Local Government  respectively to sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign.

Oyetola noted that it has become imperative for the two communities to put an end to the avoidable crisis that had escalated to destruction of property, killings and maiming of one another since the crisis erupted, saying that ‘it is better to jaw-jaw’  than resort to violence.

In a statement  made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his spokesman, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, the minister commiserated with the families and relatives of those who have lost their lives and also sympathized with those who have lost their valuable properties. 

The former governor noted that whenever the crisis had erupted in the past, it was usually deescalated through the traditional rulers, and he wondered why this latest violence was allowed to degenerate to this level.

Describing peace as sine qua non to human existence, Oyetola said it is always good to come to the round table for dialogue and negotiation than to resort to violence in whatever circumstances, saying God knows why He destined the two towns of Ifon and Ilobu to border each other. 

He said the two communities must stop the fight permanently, jettison their differences and continue to live together as brothers and sisters by continuing to take maximum advantage of their unity and togetherness as well as the prospects of success in their diversity regardless of borders and boundaries.

‘With my sojourn in life, I have come to realize that nothing good can come from communal clash and as such, every being must do everything humanly possible to forestall fight of any nature. It is quite unfortunate and shocking to receive the news of clashes between two of our notable towns (Ilobu and Ifon-Osun) in the state.

While I acknowledge whatever the reason that might have led to the avoidable crisis leaving many dead, I want to vehemently note that no matter the issue at stake, it is not worth the life of any Osun citizen. I, therefore, appeal to our people to sheath their sword and allow peace to reign forthwith.

Taking a look at number of casualties recorded in the last few days while the crisis lasted, it is apparent that dialogue and negotiation would have been more profitable and rewarding if that path had been genuinely taken by the two communities.

I appeal to the traditional leaders of the two communities and beyond to opt for dialogue in resolving contentious issues in order to restore peace and tranquility to the land. I want to use this opportunity to commiserate with the families of the victims who have lost their loved ones to the needless crisis. I also sympathize with those who have lost their properties. May Almighty God repose the souls of the dead and restore peace to the affected communities’ Oyetola said-Team@orientactualmags.com
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