Ibadan Chiefs, Mogajis, Baale’s urges goverment to checkmate influx of strangers from neighboring African countries

From Ogundele Olanrewaju

Following recent attack at a Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state which led to loss of many life’s, the Ibadan Chiefs, family heads (Mogaji’s), Baales in Ibadanland has urged Govenment at all levels, security agencies in Oyo State to checkmate influx of the region by strangers believes to be from neighboring African countries.

According to the Chiefs, Mogajis, Baales and other stakeholders, the step became necessary considering risen insecurity across the nation particularly in the southwest region, saying that there is need to re-strategised concerning security of the region particularly Ibadanland, because what ever would happens in Southwest will start from Ibadanland.

The Stakeholders, under the agies of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative in a Communique issued at the end of their meeting which was held on Thursday 9/6/2022 at Ibadan house, Oke Aremo frowned at influx of motocycle riders from Lagos and scavengers majority of whom are suspected to have come from neighboring African countries to Ibadanland, adding that some of the strangers has ammunitions which can endangered security of lives and properties of the people.

“We reject their influx and the danger they posses to the safety of our life’s and property, they have mixed with our people by the virtue of their motorcycle and other businesses”

The Stakeholders however appealed to goverment to curtailed exesses of the strangers before it get out of hand, saying that Ibadan Chiefs, Mogajis and Baales others in the traditional institution would not tolerate any form of Banditry and terrorism.

The Chiefs therefore said powerful security committee which consists of retired senior military personnel, police and paramilitary would be set up to give security advice in order to curtailed the exesses.

They commended Oyo State Government, security agencies for their efforts so far, urging them to do more so that insecurity can reduced to bearest minimum.

Other issue discussed at the meeting are : Strengthen of adequate conventional and additional local security intelligent gathering along all border villages and communities, Creating of working security committee in all local govt in Ibadanland, sensitisation and involvement of all our retired Military, Police and Para military officers to assist in solving our local security challenges, and maintenance of synergies among all our traditional set up most especially the Mogajis and Baales to ensure adequate security in all our various communities and Local Govt areas in Ibadanland among others.

Those at the meeting include : The representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ademola Odunade the Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland, President of Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, the Representatives of CCII President General Prince Yemisi Adeaga, the convener of the initiative, Chief Dotun Sanusi, former Central Council of Ibadan (CCII) President General, Yemi Soladoye, President of Association of Baales of Ibadanland, Elder (Dr)Taye Ayorinde, Coordinator of the initiative, Mogaji (Asiwaju) Nurudeen Akinade, Prexident Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo state representative of Chief Imam of Ibadaland and the Muslim Community in Ibadanland and the representative of Traditionalist among others