Gov Adeleke eases curfew in Osun communities ahead of Eid El Kabir

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has approved the immediate relaxation of the curfew imposed on the conflict-prone communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun.

The decision follows a noticeable return to peace in the area and is aimed at allowing residents to celebrate the upcoming Eid El Kabir festival without restrictions.

Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced this in a statement which was released on Saturday.

The new directive states that the curfew will now run from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., starting Sunday, May 25, 2025, replacing the previous 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. restriction.

“Following near total return to peace in the warring communities of Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun, it gladdens my heart, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, to direct that the hitherto 6 pm-6 am curfew will now be between 9 pm to 5 am of the following day. This is with effect from tomorrow, Sunday, 25th May, 2025,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

“I commend the three towns and other stakeholders for the peace and harmony currently taking shape. I urge you should please keep it up.

“However, I hereby direct that a contingent of all security personnel, comprising the Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence should accordingly continue to keep a 24-hour surveillance in the three communities. “Finally, I am using this medium to wish our dear Muslim and non-Muslim brothers and sisters in the three towns of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun, as well as Osun State in general, a happy Eid El Kabir festival in advance.”

He warned that any community leader whose subjects are found disrupting the peace will be held accountable under the law.

The curfew was imposed following violent clashes over land disputes in March, which led to the loss of lives and property damage.