Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared a strict 24-hour curfew in Igbajo, a community within the Boluwaduro Local Government Area. This decisive action was taken in response to a severe breakdown of law and order that erupted in the town.
Immediate Cause and Government Response
The violence, which began on the night of Sunday, 30 November 2025, and spilled into the early hours of Monday, 1 December, is directly linked to heightened tensions following the death of Prince Adegboyega Famodun. The former state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the 30th Owa of Igbajo passed away last Friday at the age of 67 after a brief illness.
In an official statement released by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Governor Adeleke ordered an immediate and total lockdown of Igbajo. The curfew will remain in force until peace and normalcy are fully restored to the community.
Expressing deep shock at the developments, Governor Adeleke condemned the violence unequivocally. He stated that his administration "will always not be a party to any untoward civil disobedience capable of truncating the existing peace and harmony being currently experienced throughout Osun State, Igbajo inclusive."
Security Deployment and Stern Warning
Acting in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, Adeleke has directed a major security mobilization. He instructed the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to commence round-the-clock surveillance in Igbajo to enforce the curfew and prevent further chaos.
The governor issued a stern warning to all residents, both indigenes and non-natives. The statement emphasized that anyone found instigating or participating in acts capable of plunging the town deeper into crisis, whether openly or secretly, would face the full wrath of the law.
Background of the Royal Stalemate
The current unrest has its roots in a protracted chieftaincy dispute. Prince Adegboyega Famodun was installed as the Owa of Igbajo in 2022 during the final days of the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
However, upon assuming office, Governor Adeleke issued an executive order that removed Famodun from the throne, appointing Oba Ademola Makinde in his place. The controversy took a legal turn in January 2025 when the Osun State High Court ruled to reinstate Oba Famodun. This court decision is currently being challenged in an appeal, leaving the royal title in a state of legal limbo.
The passing of the embattled monarch has now ignited the underlying tensions, leading to the violent clashes that prompted the state government's drastic security measure. The situation in Igbajo remains tense as security forces work to restore order.
