Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun StateOsun governor orders full lockdown and deploys security agencies after unrest linked to the passing of reinstated traditional ruler, Prince Adegboyega Famodun
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area following a fresh outbreak of violence that erupted on Sunday night and extended into Monday morning. The decision was announced after mounting tensions linked to the recent death of Prince Adegboyega Famodun, who passed away last week after a brief illness.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government said the curfew takes immediate effect and will remain in place until full peace is restored in the historically calm community. Security agencies, including the Army, Police, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance throughout the town.
Governor Adeleke expressed strong disapproval of the disturbances, stressing that his administration will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and social order of the state. He noted that the situation in Igbajo was received “with shock and dismay,” and emphasized that the government has a responsibility to uphold stability across all communities.
“As a government committed to peace and adherence to the rule of law, we cannot stand by and allow disorder in any part of Osun,” Adeleke said. “Accordingly, I hereby declare a total lockdown of Igbajo to prevent further escalation and to protect lives and property.”
The governor also warned that anyone involved in fomenting trouble, whether openly or in concealed ways, will face legal consequences. He urged both residents and non-residents of the town to maintain calm and cooperate with security operatives during this period.
The recent tension in Igbajo has been linked to the passing of Prince Adegboyega Famodun, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State and the embattled 30th Owa of Igbajo. Famodun, who died at age 67, had been at the center of a prolonged traditional leadership dispute. Installed as monarch in 2022 near the end of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration, he was later removed through an executive order issued by Governor Adeleke, who appointed Oba Ademola Makinde as his replacement.
However, in January 2025, the Osun State High Court reinstated Oba Famodun, a ruling that is currently being contested at the appellate level. His reinstatement and the ongoing legal battle have remained sensitive issues within the community, contributing to heightened tensions.
The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding peace and ensuring that Igbajo returns to normalcy as quickly as possible, urging community members to avoid actions that could inflame the already delicate situation.
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