Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the relaxation of the curfew imposed on the communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun.
The curfew was originally put in place following communal tensions that arose earlier in the year.
According to a statement issued by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the governor’s decision is based on the near-total return of peace in the affected areas.
Governor Adeleke also considered the upcoming Eid El Kabir celebrations in his decision to ease the curfew restrictions.
The statement revealed that the new curfew hours will now run from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, starting Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Previously, the curfew spanned from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., a measure introduced to curb the violence and ensure safety.
While relaxing the curfew, Governor Adeleke called on residents to continue exercising restraint and cooperation. He emphasized that the curfew will remain in place until complete peace is confirmed.
He also directed a warning to the traditional rulers of the three towns, holding them accountable for the actions of their subjects.
“Any traditional ruler whose subject is caught being a clog in the wheel of achieving total peace will be made to face the wrath of the law,” the statement noted.
The governor expressed appreciation to the communities and stakeholders for their efforts in maintaining peace so far, saying, “I commend the three towns and other stakeholders for the peace and harmony currently taking shape. I urge that you should please keep it up.”
Additionally, Governor Adeleke ordered that joint security forces, including the Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence, continue to provide round-the-clock surveillance in the area.
“Security agencies must continue 24-hour monitoring to ensure that peace is sustained in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun,” the statement concluded.