Osun APC and PDP Point Fingers Over Igbajo Town Curfew Controversy

Table of Contents

1. APC Accusation Against the State Government
2. Party Responses to the Situation
3. Imposition of Curfew

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the state government of escalating tensions in Igbajo following the passing of the troubled Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun, who died on Friday.

In a statement released on Monday by the party's spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the APC claimed that the state government was involved in inciting unrest during the seven-day traditional burial rites for the late monarch.

The party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, stated, “It is disheartening that the government led by Governor Adeleke could not conceal its deep-seated animosity towards the late Oba Famodun, even in death.”

The APC criticized the government's decision to impose a 24-hour curfew in Igbajo, labeling the timing as disruptive to the traditional rites that began on Sunday.

Lawal added, “We want to make it clear that the Adeleke government should be held responsible for any disturbances that may arise in Igbajo due to the conduct of the ongoing traditional rites.”

The opposition party referenced previous communal conflicts in the state, alleging that administrative failures had previously heightened tensions in the affected communities.

The APC also pointed out that while Oba Famodun was crowned in November 2022, his installation was annulled by an executive action that was later overturned by the High Court of Osun State on January 31, 2025.

The statement noted, “The High Court reinstated Oba Famodun as the Owa of Igbajo, making him the last Owa at the time of his death who should not be denied his traditional burial rites.”

The party called on the Inspector-General of Police to step in and requested the immediate reversal of the curfew in the interest of peace.

In response, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the APC of attempting to deflect blame for its alleged neglect of the late monarch during his illness.

In a counter-statement signed by its chairman, Sunday Bisi, the PDP said, “The APC should clarify why it abandoned the late Gboyega Famodun in his time of need instead of blaming the state government.”

The PDP argued that the curfew was implemented based on security assessments indicating a potential breakdown of law and order in Igbajo.

Bisi stated, “The governor has a responsibility to uphold law and order through the effective functioning of the security council.”

The party claimed that security agencies had reported attempts by alleged APC supporters to disrupt peace in the town, which led to the decision to impose restrictions.

It also questioned the role the APC played in organizing the burial rites of the deceased monarch and characterized its criticisms as an effort to conceal internal shortcomings.

The PDP urged the Inspector-General of Police and the public to disregard what it called misleading statements from the opposition, asserting that Governor Adeleke acted strictly within constitutional limits.

DAILY POST reported that following the announcement of Famodun's passing, Governor Ademola Adeleke imposed a 24-hour curfew in Igbajo on Monday.

The curfew was announced in a statement by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, in response to a reported breakdown of law and order that persisted from Sunday night into the early hours of Monday.

According to the statement, intelligence received from the Governor's Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, indicated that tensions rose among residents after the recent death of Oba Famodun, the troubled Owa of Igbajo land, who reportedly passed away in Abuja on Friday.