….As Polytechnic Shuts Down Academic Activities
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
In order to restore normalcy to Igbajoland in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, following protests that erupted after the death of Oba Gboyega Famodun, the state governor, Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the affected area.
Recall that Famodun’s death was announced by his family on Sunday.
Residents subsequently protested, apparently believing his passing was connected to the “powers that be”.
Investigation revealed that some youths sought to enforce the closure of the market in mourning the late monarch; however, their action was challenged by individuals from the palace who insisted the market should remain open.
A source, who doesn’t want his name in print said “Some youths went to the market to challenge those who had opened it. Some people suspected to be from the palace said the market should continue, hence the brawl.”
However, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Monday, the town was ordered into a total lockdown.
“Following the breakdown of law and order last night till the early hours of today in Igbajo, Boluwaduro Local Government Area, according to intelligence from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Barr. Samuel Ojo, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has accordingly announced a total lockdown of the town with the imposition of a 24-hour curfew.
“The curfew, which is with immediate effect until total peace is attained, arose from the continued breach of law and order among the natives, a development attributed to the demise of Prince Adegboyega Famodun, who died last week, Saturday, after a brief illness.
“Announcing the imposition of the curfew, Governor Adeleke condemned the development, declaring that his administration will not condone any civil disobedience capable of disrupting the peace and harmony currently experienced throughout Osun State, including Igbajo.
“Governor Adeleke, in line with the new directive on the 24-hour curfew, issued a stern warning to all natives and non-natives of Igbajo to maintain peace and order. Anyone found engaging in acts—openly or clandestinely—likely to cause further chaos in the town will be dealt with according to the law.
“It is with deep shock and dismay that I received the sad news of the breakdown of law and order in Igbajo last night till the early hours of today.
“As a government that believes in total compliance with maintaining peace and order, my administration will not stand by while law and order is breached anywhere in the state.
“Therefore, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I hereby declare a total lockdown of the town with immediate effect, pending the restoration of orderliness and harmony in Igbajo.
“With effect from today, Monday, 1 December 2025, a contingent of security personnel, including the Army, Police, DSS, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), shall take charge with 24-hour surveillance in Igbajo.
“Finally, I once again, as I did following the announcement of the demise of Prince Adegboyega Famodun, commiserate with his family and all sons and daughters of Igbajo over the sad loss of a distinguished son of the town, Prince Adegboyega Famodun’s status,” Alimi stated.
Meanwhile, management of Igbajo Polytechnic has suspended academic activities.
A statement from the Registrar, Ezekiel Onipede, issued before the announcement of the curfew, declared a two-day suspension of academic activities to monitor the situation in the town.
“I have the mandate of the Rector, Dr Ganiyu Abimbola Adebisi, to suspend all academic activities of the Polytechnic for two days—Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December 2025.
“This is due to the situation in the town. The authority is monitoring developments in the interest of both staff and students, hence this suspension. Kindly await further directives from Management regarding the situation in the town,” the statement added.