The Deji and the paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi Odundun II, has vowed to curb the activities of land grabbers popularly known as Omo Oniles in Akure metropolis.
The monarch stated this during his visit to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery brigade, Brigadier General C. Ofoshe in his office in Akure on Friday.
He said that the activities of the Omo Oniles are fast becoming a menace to the society and a dent on the image of the city.
“We cannot fold our arms and allow these hoodlums turn our land into a lawless society where crimes thrive.”
“I am aware that they now move round the town extorting money from unsuspecting individuals and even threatening land owners with dangerous weapons on their sites. They have now turned this into a daily routine and a robust source of income for them. We must put an end to it,” the Deji said.
Oba Aladetoyinbo said he was therefore seeking the assistance of the military in ensuring that these hoodlums are flushed out of the society.
While responding to the Deji’s request, Brigadier Ofoche thanked the monarch for his visit and the good working relationship between the Military and the traditional ruler, stating that this had contributed immensely to the relative peace which Akure had been enjoying.
Speaking earlier, the Deji requested the Military hierarchy to cede some of the lands being currently held by them back to Akure people, stating that he was fully aware that some of these lands were being under-utilised by the Military.
The monarch was of the opinion that the Military is currently occupying about a quarter of the total land mass of Akure.
While responding to the Deji’s request, Brigadier Ofoche thanked the monarch for his visit and the good working relationship between the Military and the traditional ruler, stating that this had contributed immensely to the relative peace which Akure had been enjoying.
He, therefore, enjoined Oba Aladetoyinbo to take up the issue of the lands with the appropriate authorities in government.
“We are agents of government and we have high regards for the traditional institutions. We are ready to cooperate with you on this matter,” he said.
On the issue of land grabbers, the Brigade Commander promised to cooperate with the Deji and relevant security agencies in curtailing the excesses of these gangsters, promisimg that the military would apprehend them and deal with them decisively.
