Osun Group Warns Of Chaos From LG, Communal Clashes
A civil society group, The Osun Masterminds, TOM, has cautioned that combining the crippling of local governments with communal clashes in Osun State is a strong recipe for a total breakdown of order.
This comes as the group called on the state government to act swiftly to resolve all the state’s problems.
TOM issued this warning during the March State of the State address in Osogbo on Friday.
Speaking on behalf of the group, TOM Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, said it is sad to note that the irresponsible behavior that has crippled local governments in the state today involves very important political gladiators from whom one would ordinarily expect responsible conduct, aided by the poorly considered decision of local government employees to stay away from work.
Prof. Oyedokun-Alli noted that local governments bring development closer to the people, and when this critical arm of government becomes dysfunctional, the people suffer direct consequences.
“This is why we have been deeply concerned about the ongoing impasse that has crippled the local government system and is showing potential to cripple the finances of the entire state, considering that internally generated revenue from local governments forms an important part of the state’s income.
“The Osun State Government, being directly responsible for the peace and security of the state, should have prioritized a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict by approaching relevant government offices or courts to seek important legal clarifications. Otherwise, how do we explain the swearing-in of a new batch of local government chairmen who, one month after their swearing-in, have yet to step foot in the local councils?”
“We regret to continue witnessing needless confrontations between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. We do not live in a banana republic, and such critical governance issues cannot be resolved through press releases. No matter the sentiments both parties fuel on this issue, the fact remains that local governments are crippled, which goes against the principles of democracy.”
Condemning the continued inactivity in local governments, Prof. Oyedokun-Alli called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and local government employees to take steps that serve the state’s best interests, uphold the rule of law, and rethink their involvement in the crisis so they do not continue contributing to the paralysis of local governments.
On the Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communal clashes, TOM described it as shameful, sad, and unfortunate that in 2025, the state is still experiencing bloody communal conflicts.
He advised that efforts to permanently resolve the crisis must be decisive and forward-thinking, regardless of whose interests are affected.
“The decisions on the warring communities must set aside all political considerations and provide lasting solutions that address all underlying political and ancestral causes.
“To date, however, it is our considered opinion that the Osun State Government has not done enough in its approach to resolving the crisis. A government, whose primary responsibility is securing lives and property, cannot be slow in taking decisive action to address a crisis of this nature.
“We have also observed that the state government’s emergency response has been very slow. Though the recent establishment of IDP camps is commendable, it is equally important that the two federal legislators wake up to their responsibilities by bringing the presence of NEMA to alleviate the suffering of the people in the warring communities, among other measures.”
He advised the state government to consult past governors, royal fathers, and important stakeholders in the state for their input.
“The committee set up by the government does not seem to be delivering efficiently on its mandate, and this should necessitate a change in approach to more decisive steps
