The Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá, a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has condemned the recent surge of violence between the communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun in Osun State.
“We unequivocally condemn this conflict in the strongest term.
In a statement signed by the Worldwide President, Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá, Agbaakin Tunde Adeleke, the group said: It is both unjustifiable and irrational. It is incomprehensible that individuals from the same cultural background, who have coexisted peacefully for many years, would suddenly turn against one another for any reason.”
The organization has urged the communities to embrace peace and implement a ceasefire, bringing an end to the communal strife. “We earnestly urge the communities to remember that only in a peaceful and harmonious environment can the development we all aspire to be realized,” Adeleke emphasized.
READ ALSO: Three killed, many injured as Ifon, Ilobu renew hostilities
The Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá commended the efforts of the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye; the Olobu of Ilobu, Ọba Ashiru Olaniyan; and the Elerin of Erin Osun, Ọba Yusuf Omoloye, for their initiatives aimed at restoring peace.
However, they encouraged the monarchs to intensify their efforts to achieve lasting tranquility.
The organization also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the security agencies in their pursuit of a sustainable resolution to the crisis. “We implore them to further enhance their initiatives to foster enduring peace,” Adeleke said.
Furthermore, the Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Ìtẹ̀síwájú Yorùbá called for the immediate conclusion of the work of the committee recently put in place by the governor and the release of its recommendations as a way of achieving enduring peace in the communities.
“We believe that the timely release of the committee’s recommendations will go a long way in addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict and pave the way for lasting peace,” said High Chief Kola Oriolowo, Publicity Secretary of the organization.