Ilobu withdraws from Osun panel of inquiry over bias claims

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

One of the warring communities in Osun State, Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government, has announced its withdrawal from the 100-member panel constituted by Governor Ademola Adeleke to investigate the recurring communal disputes between the town and neighbouring communities.

Ilobu has been involved in conflicts with Ifon-Osun in Orolu Local Government and Erin-Osun in Irepodun Local Government over boundary disputes.

In a petition addressed to Governor Adeleke, the panel chairmen, and others, dated 4 February 2025 and signed by High Chiefs Jimoh Ashiru, Johnson Oladapo, and three others, Ilobu accused the panel’s Chairman, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, and Co-Chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd), of bias.

“We raise a serious objection to the inclusion and/or participation of the nominees of the representatives of Okanla family in the sitting of the committee, whether now or later.

“The information at our disposal, which has been verified, is that HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo, and Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd), Chairman and Co-Chairman respectively of the committee, and a member, namely Special Adviser (Security) to the Osun State Governor, Mr Samuel A. Ojo, in the course of performing the assignment of the committee, have been seriously compromised.

“It is our strong contention and conclusion that the presence or continued participation of the three aforementioned people will erode the credibility of the committee. Ilobu Community will not accept the outcome or report of the committee.”

However, Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun communities, in a joint communiqué signed by Adejumo Jamiu and Chief Yekeen Sodiq, rejected any suspension of the committee’s proceedings due to Ilobu’s petition.

The two communities stated, “We, the people of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun, categorically state that we vehemently oppose the halting of the work of the committee or the removal of any of the 25 members appointed by the government.

“We enjoin the state government to be decisive and resolute in following its own rules and regulations. Parties who had objections to any of the members appointed by the governor had the window of opportunities to do so before 24 January 2025.

“We insist that no member already accepted by the communities should be removed. Should anyone be removed as demanded by Ilobu people, no replacement will be acceptable to Erin-Osun and Ifon-Osun people.”