Following recent attack at a Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state which led to loose of many lives, the Chiefs, family heads (Mogajis), Baales in Ibadanland have urged Govenment at all levels, security agencies in Oyo State to checkmate influx of the region by strangers believe to be from neighboring African countries.
According to the Chiefs, Mogajis, Baales and other stakeholders, the step became necessary considering risen insecurity across the nation particularly in the Southwest region, saying that there is need to re-strategise concerning security of the region particularly Ibadanland, because whatever would happen in Southwest will start from Ibadanland.
The Stakeholders, under the agies of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative in a Communique issued at the end of their meeting which was held on Thursday 9/6/2022 at Ibadan house, Oke Aremo frowned at influx of motocycle riders from Lagos and scavengers majority of whom are suspected to have come from neighboring African countries to Ibadanland, adding that some of the strangers have ammunitions which can endanger security of lives and properties of the people.
“We reject their influx of strangers and the danger they pose to the safety of our lives and properties, they have mixed with our people by the virtue of their motorcycles and other businesses”
The Stakeholders however appealed to goverment to curtail excesses of the strangers before it get out of hand, saying that Ibadan Chiefs, Mogajis and Baales others in the traditional institution would not tolerate any form of banditry and terrorism.
The Chiefs therefore said powerful security committee which consists of retired senior military personnel, police and paramilitary would be set up to give security advice in order to curtail the excesses.
They commended Oyo State Government, security agencies for their efforts so far, urging them to do more so that insecurity can reduce to the bearest minimum.
Other issues discussed at the meeting are: strengthening of adequate conventional and additional local security intelligent gathering along all border villages and communities, creating of working security committee in all Local Governments in Ibadanland, sensitisation and involvement of all our retired Military, Police and Paramilitary officers to assist in solving local security challenges, and maintenance of synergies among all traditional set up most especially the Mogajis and Baales to ensure adequate security in all communities and Local Government Areas in Ibadanland among others.
Those at the meeting include; the representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ademola Odunade, the Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland, President of Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, the representatives of CCII President General Prince Yemisi Adeaga, the convener of the initiative, Chief Dotun Sanusi, former Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) President General, Yemi Soladoye, President of Association of Baales of Ibadanland, Elder (Dr.)Taye Ayorinde, Coordinator of the initiative, Mogaji (Asiwaju) Nurudeen Akinade, President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo state representative of Chief Imam of Ibadaland and the Muslim Community in Ibadanland and the representative of Traditionalists among others.
