Percy Onyeka
Governor of Osun State Ademola Adeleke has said that in the wake of the rekindled hostilities in the state between the Ifon-Orolu and Ilobu communities, his administration will not tolerate war mongers and sponsors of violence to flourish.
The governor emphasized the need for everyone to let peace rule in order to attract development to the state while on a visiting tour of the crisis-prone villages of Ilobu, Erin-Osun, Ifon following a peace meeting with security stakeholders.
A statement made available to newsmen on Saturday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed disclosed that leaders of the communities in separate presentation explained their grievances to the Governor, who assured them of his administration’s commitment to permanently resolving the crisis.
According to Governor Adeleke, the resolutions and other political strategies already adopted by his administration would tackle the root causes of the clashes, repeating his resolve to deal harshly with those behind the communal unrest.
“I am here to preach peace as a condition for development and better lives for our people. I am here to warn that there is no room for war mongers and sponsors of violence. It is in everybody’s interest for peace to reign permanently in these communities.
“If you don’t know, your needless confrontations are scaring investors away from Osun. Don’t allow yourself to become agents of under-development. Let us jaw-jaw instead of war.
“I charge you all to sheath your swords and embrace dialogue. Instead of blood shedding and destruction of properties, why not join hands to build a prosperous society. Our administration will reinforce and sustain peace at all costs. Join the Imole peace move now”, the Governor said to the cheering applause of community leaders and residents.
Among those who accompanied Governor Adeleke on the tour were Hon. Kamar Ajisafe, National Vice Chairman of the PDP for the South West Zone; Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment; and Hon. Moshood Yakub, Special Adviser on Transportation.
