Banditry: Gov Oyebanji Reads Riot Act, Solicits Traditional Rulers’ Cooperation

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to intensify war against kidnappers and bandits in the State.

This is to bolster investment and ensure security of lives and property, particularly along Ipao-oke Ako-Irele axis, which has become a flashpoint for such horrendous acts.

The two communities, in the Northern Senatorial District of the State, have become danger zones due to banditry and kidnappings.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Monisade Afuye, spoke at Ipao Ekiti, Ikole Local Government area of the state, on Wednesday, while presenting the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Obanla of Ipao, Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin.

The Kingmakers on the July 6, 2023, declared Prince Ehunmodupin of Adesogan Ruling House, as the Oba-elect, in compliance with the provisions of section II of the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, 2012, and was subsequently approved by the Ekiti State Executive Council on  October 4, 2023.

The stool became vacant sequel to the death of Oba Joseph Aina, who joined his ancestors on 21st June, 2016.

Addressing the community which has been under the siege of kidnapping and banditry in recent time, Oyebanji assured towns in the axis and across Ekiti that his government would continue to be ruthless in the wars against criminals in the state.

“Let me appreciate all of you for the support you gave my Government to overcome insecurity here during the interregnum, when there was vacancy in your traditional stool and now that you have got a new Oba, I promise to sustain the tempo to make you and other Ekiti citizens secured wherever you are.”

Oyebanji urged other contestants and indigenes of Ipao to support the new monarch to fast track development, and as well coalesce actions with government to halt incidences of kidnapping and killings in the area.

He commended the royal fathers across the State for their contributions to maintenance of peace and stability in their domains, saying this has helped in checking unwarranted insurrection and upheavals that could derail developmental focus of the government.

The Governor tasked the new Monarch to pursue peace, unity and stability of the town, by mending fences with his co-contestants and build strong relationships with elite to bring development to the community.

“It is important to emphasize here today that the government of Governor Oyebanji holds our traditional rulers in high regards because they are not only the custodians of our customs, culture and tradition, they play pivotal roles in the stability of our towns , states and the country at large.

“This is the cogent reason why Governor Oyebanji, has always been cautioning the towns where there are vacancies in their traditional stools to guard against any action, either by way of litigation or disagreement that could stall the installation of a substantive Oba.

“Kabiyesi, as the custodian of culture and tradition, you are now the symbol of the people and your achievements will depend largely on how supportive your subjects are, so you must be on the same page with them.”