Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Igbajo town in Boluwaduro Local Government Area, following a breakdown of law and order. The curfew, which took effect immediately, was announced by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Monday in Osogbo. According to Alimi, the decision was made due to an intelligence report from the office of the Special Adviser on Security, indicating a disturbance in the town overnight.
The crisis in Igbajo has been linked to the death of former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in the state, Adegboyega Famodun. Famodun, who was also the 30th Owa of Igbajo, passed away on November 28 at the age of 67 after a brief illness. His death was announced by his son, David Famodun, on behalf of the Gbeleru Royal Family of Igbajo. It is worth noting that Famodun was removed as the Owa of Igbajo in 2022 by Governor Adeleke, and his position was later filled by Ademola Makinde, who was appointed by the state government on March 12, 2024.
Governor Adeleke condemned the development and warned that his administration would not tolerate any civil disobedience that could disrupt the peace and harmony in the state. He urged all natives and non-natives of Igbajo to maintain peace and orderliness, stating that anyone found to be causing chaos would be dealt with according to the law.
As part of the efforts to restore order, a contingent of security personnel comprising the army, police, Department of State Security Service (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been deployed to Igbajo to maintain 24-hour surveillance. The governor expressed his condolences to the family and people of Igbajo over the loss of Famodun, describing the situation as “sad news” and calling for calm and cooperation from the community.
The imposition of the curfew is aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order in the town and ensuring the return of peace and stability. The Osun State government has assured that it will take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in the state, and the curfew will remain in place until total peace is attained.