Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, ordered traditional rulers of warring Ifon, Erin-Osun and Ilobu communities to sustain the current peace in their domains or face dethronement.

He threatened that failure of any one of them to nurture and sustain the current peace and de-escalation of the crisis in their communities would lead to his removal from the throne.

This was contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, which was forwarded to journalists in Osogbo, the state capital. The governor’s warning followed online reports that some faceless groups in the conflict areas were planning to unleash another round of attacks in the communities.

“In the midst of Sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun towns. Security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure that no attacks take place.

“The security agencies are also speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict. I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertakings they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

“Additionally, I will remove from office any traditional ruler where violence reoccurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough,” the statement stated.