Ololade Adeyanju/
The Ijesa Development Foundation (IDF) has condemned the political violence which erupted in some parts of Ijesaland in the run-up to the 2019 elections, resulting in the burning of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) office and about five houses by suspected sponsored thugs.
The foundation in a press statement jointly signed by Engr Dideolu Falobi (President) and Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Director of Publicity), expressed disappointment over the conduct because Ijesa people are known for peace and not for violence.
The statement reads: “The leadership and members of Ijesaland Development Foundation note with sadness the violence that has been witnessed in Ijesaland in the run up to the 2019 elections which culminated in the burning of INEC Office at Ijebu-jesa, the torching of five houses at Igangan as well as the shooting of Ijesas and destruction of properties across the land.”
The statement emphasized that, as an organisation that is committed to the development of Ijesaland, it was important to draw attention to the need for all stakeholders in the land to rise up to the challenges and checkmate the criminals.
The foundation submitted in a resolution that all the political leaders in Osun State in general and in Ijesaland in particular should call their members to order immediately and cease all hostilities
The foundation also demanded that all parents and elders in Ijesaland should call their wards to order and inculcate the values of peace and industry as against thuggery and brigandage which have now become the order of the day.
Similarly, the statement called all the security organisations in Osun State and in Ijesaland on the need to wake up to their responsibility and fish out all culprits to face the law without caring about whose ox is gored.
“That all the traditional rulers in Ijesaland should commence the institution of peace processes in their community by deploying both consultation and traditional means of deterrence. No nation prospers in the midst of disunity, violence and war. Ijesaland cannot be an exception,” the statement further says.
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