Attacks on monarchs: Ondo monarchs call for prosecution of perpetrators

Ondo State Traditional rulers under the auspices of “130 Crowns Club”  on Wednesday, called on the security agents in the state to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of attack on the traditional ruler of Igbokoda,  the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional, the President of the 130 Crowns Club,  Oba Olusegun Akinbola who is the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre, described the the attack on Ona Odidiomo as abomination saying those behind the attack have descretated the exalted stool of Igbokoda.

According to Oba Akinbola, failure of security operatives in the state to bring to book those behind the attack was an indication that government no longer value the revered stools.

He said, “failure of security agencies to arrest and prosecute appropriately some thugs who attacked the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo at his palace recently will amount to descreation of the exalted stool.

“Those behind the attack should be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others. It is a taboo to attack a monarch in this part of the world and you move around freely without any punishment.”

The monarchs said it was downgraded for the leader of the suspected hoodlums, one Tale Iwatan and his gang members to still be walking freely around Igbokoda town after being identified as the leader of the hoodlums who attacked the monarch and inflicted serious injuries on Oba Odidiomo.

The Olu of Igbokoda narrowly escaped death after he was machete by some suspected hoodlums at his palace in the town, the headquarters of the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state two weeks ago, but the Ondo state police command said it had arrested two of the suspects while Iwatan was declared wanted by the force.

The traditional rulers expressed their dissatisfaction over the delay in bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice urging police and the state government not to be foot-dragging in prosecuting the thugs and their sponsors.

Oba Akinbola said traditional rulers in the state described the development as unpalatable and unacceptable calling on security operatives in the state to always do the needful at the right time to prevent people from taking  law into their own hands.

He expressed displeasure over the delay in convicting suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Oniyani of Iyani Akoko, Oba Joel Daodu few months ago, noting that continuous attacks on royal fathers was a great indication that government had failed in protecting her citizenry.

The Traditional rulers called on the Ondo state government to ensure collaborate with security agencies in providing adequate security for them and at their various palaces to prevent kidnapping, attacks and assault m of traditional stools in the state.

He said roles of traditional rulers in ensuring peace and tranquility in the country at large should be enhanced by constitutionally empowering monarchs to do their communal duties.

Oba Akinbola commended the present administration of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu for discouraging actions that would cause division among traditional rulers in the state, advising the state government to start implementing and spending of five percent of monthly allocations of local governments for traditional institution as being practised in other states of the federation.

The Spokesperson of the state police command, Femi Joseph, however said two of the suspects who attack the monarch had been arrested but said the leader of the group is still on wanted list of the command.