Governor Abiola Ajimobi has condemned Monday’s invasion of the Olubadan palace as barbaric and unacceptable, urging the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji to be wary of some failed politicians intent on using traditional institutions to resurrect their political career.
He hinged this admonition on the tendency for those politicians to exploit the magnanimity and accommodating nature of the Olubadan to foist terror upon the state.
Ajimobi who spoke at the end of a state security council meeting, held on Tuesday, at Governor’s office, Ibadan, also pointed to initial security reports which indicated that some members of the opposition were determined to unleash terror on Ibadan and the state at large in the run-up to the 2019 election.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr Segun Bolarinwa, Ajimobi warned that the state government, in conjunction with security agencies, will not hesitate to arrest anyone bent on disrupting peace and order in the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the administration to peace and security, adding that the state will not tolerate a return of brigandage or violence.
“The attack on the Olubadan palace on Monday is barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable. The suspected hoodlums must have acted on the instruction of failed politicians who are trying to exploit the traditional institutions to stage a comeback and regain relevance in Oyo state and return the state to the inglorious days of brigandage, thuggery, killings, and arson.”
“The government will not allow anyone or group irrespective of status, religion or political affiliation to take us to the dark days when Ibadan earned the unenviable tag of garrison command through the unscrupulous activities of these incorrigible elements.”
“We remember that during the installation ceremony of August 27, the governor warned that the Olubadan and our revered traditional institutions risked being used as staging posts for nefarious activities of some failed politicians.” “We suspect that some opposition political parties and retrogressive individuals may have now found sanctuary in the hallowed palace of the Olubadan to resurrect their failed career.”
“Their plan is to disrupt the peace and tranquillity that we have worked hard to enthrone in the last six years. Initial security reports suggest that their plan is to unleash terror and make Ibadan ungovernable especially as the 2019 general election is drawing near.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the government wishes to reiterate that it will not renege on its commitment to the security of lives and properties.”
“We, therefore, warn that anyone seeking to test the resolve of this government through any attempt at jeopardising the peace of the land should be ready to face a Waterloo because the full weight of the law will be visited on them. Our appeal is to the Olubadan is to be wary of the antics of those who may wish to exploit his warmness, generosity and accommodating posture to foment trouble.”
“The law enforcement agents are on top of the situation and we assure the populace that peace has returned to Ibadan and there is no need to be afraid of anything. All the necessary investigation will be done and those who are suspected to be behind these nefarious activities will be brought to book and the full weight of the law will descend on them,” Ajimobi said.
Bolarinwa spoke alongside Special Adviser to the governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka; Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun; Senior Special Assistants on Print and Broadcast Media, Mr Akin Oyedele and Mr Wale Sadeeq.
In the same vein, the state House of Assembly has condemned Monday’s invasion of the Olubadan palace by gunmen, urging the Olubadan in council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and Ibadan elders to continue to play their mediation role in ending the crisis that has greeted the installation of 21 Ibadan kings by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Majority Leader of the Assembly, Honourable Kehinde Subair had brought up the issue as matter of urgent public importance at Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by Honourable Micheal Adeyemo.
Subair expressed sadness at the “unwarranted” attack on the palace of imperial majesty, noting that anyone challenging the development should take recourse in the court.
The Assembly consequently prayed that culprits in Monday’s invasion be brought to justice.
Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has attributed the festering crisis over the recent review of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law to some members of the opposition bent on taking advantage of the situation to broaden their personal interest and fight a needless war with perceived political adversaries.
The APC, in a statement on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Olawale Sadare, condemned the role played by the opposition in the organisation and violence that greeted the installation of some village heads (Baales) and family compound heads (Mogajis) at the Popoyemoja Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
