By Oluwakemi Ishola
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Tuesday, approved N100million for the renovation of the vandalised palace of Soun of Ogbomoso Palace.
Makinde made the announcement during his visit to the ancient to pay a condolence visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaq who fell to police bullets during #ENDSARS protest last Saturday. The governor also paid a sympathy visit to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III.
The Pacesetter News reported that the invasion and vandalism of the Soun’s palace, on Sunday, by some irate youths in the ancient town was a fallout of the alleged killing of an undergraduate of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) by a yet-to-be identified policeman during the #ENDSARS protest in Ogbomoso on Saturday.
The Pacesetter News reliably gathered that the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, was the prime target of the attack. Sources told our correspondent that the protesters demanded the audience of the federal Minister but were turned down.
Makinde explained that beyond the ENDSARS protest, most Nigerians have become frustrated over prevailing harsh economic reality in the country and if government fail to address youth idleness with gainful employment there might be future disaster.
He also noted that while his government was not against peaceful protest, protesters must be responsible enough to voice their concerns as the state government would work more at ensuring youths in the state were meaningfully engaged.
The Governor also instructed the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Chief Bayo Lawal and caretaker chairman of Ogbomosho north local government to make an evaluation of vehicles and other items destroyed for fixing.
