Governor Ajibola Ajimobi of Oyo State has summoned security chiefs in the state over gun attacks that took place at the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The attack occurred on Monday when unidentified gunmen unleashed mayhem at the Olubadan’s palace during the coronation ceremony of some Mogajis and Baales.
The meeting had in attendance the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, the state Commissioner of Police, the state director of the Department of State Services (DSS); the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and heads of other security agencies in the state.
Speaking with the press after the State Exco Security Council meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Segun Abolarinwa condemned the attack on the palace of the foremost monarch.
He said the attack is barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable, noting that the hoodlums must have acted on the instructions of some failed politicians who are trying to exploit the traditional institution to stage a comeback and return Oyo state to the inglorious days of violence, brigandage, killings and arson.
He said the government is ready for such a possibility, pointing out that the government had warned during the installation ceremony of the 21 obas on August 27 that the Olubadan’s palace and the revered traditional institution risk being used as a staging post by failed politicians.
He, however, assured the citizenry of the government’s readiness to ensure the state does not slip into such a state when Ibadan bore the unenviable of being the city of lawlessness and political excesses.
Opposition
Abolarinwa also said security reports suggest the incident was masterminded by some opposition politicians.
“Meanwhile, we suspect that some opposition political parties and retrogressive individuals must have now found sanctuary in the hallowed palace of the Olubadan to resurrect their faded careers. Their plan is to disrupt the peace and tranquillity that we have worked hard to enthrone and enjoyed 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 elections draw 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 property which has remained our credential in the last six years.
“We, therefore warn that anyone seeking to tear our resolve through any attempt at jeopardizing the peace of the land should be ready to face the Waterloo because I can assure them that the full weight of the law will be visited on them. My appeal to our Baba, the Kabiyesi, is to be wary of the antics of those who may wish to exploit his warmness and accommodating posturing to foment trouble. A word is enough for the wise,” he concluded.
