The Ilobu community, situated in Osun State, has decided to withdraw from the Conflict Resolution Committee, a recent initiative spearheaded by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Their decision stems from reservations regarding the composition of the committee, specifically the inclusion of representatives from the Okanla family.
In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by Oba Ashiru Olaniyan's legal representative, Olatoye Aminu, the community formally communicated their stance.
The letter, dated Friday, emphasized the community's objection to the participation of Okanla representatives, citing concerns about the status accorded to Okanla compared to Ilobu, Ifon-Osun, and Erin-Osun.
The letter reads in part, "Azeez Bashir Abimbade, Okanla family’s first nominee in the list of the 14-man Community Peace Resolution Committee, has not, whether presently or in the past, associated himself with Okanla Compound, Ilobu; but rather he claims to be an indigene of Ifon-Osun and was once elected and served as a councillor in Orolu Local Government Council, Ifon-Osun and the said Azeez Bashir Abimbade is the current Local Government Party Chairman for the Peoples Democratic Party, Orolu Local Government Chapter, Ifon-Osun."
Furthermore, the letter outlined the community's prior communication with the governor regarding their concerns, indicating proactive engagement on the matter.
It stated the community's intention to withdraw from the committee's inauguration and subsequent proceedings unless the inclusion of Okanla representatives is reconsidered.
In response to the community's stance, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, affirmed the government's commitment to resolving the matter peacefully.
He stated, "We had a meeting today where Ilobu people through their lawyer stated their position. Other communities also stated their position. The government is considering all facts before it. We are for peace and we will ensure that peace returns to the area."
