The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has expressed strong condemnation of the recent ambush and killing of two monarchs in Ekiti State—Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin, Elesun of Esun-Ekiti.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday, January 30, 2024, as the monarchs were returning from a meeting in Oke Ako, Ekiti State.
In a press statement released by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, on Wednesday, the Ooni, serving as the Co-Chairman of the National Council Of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), extended his condolences to the families of the deceased monarchs, the communities of Imojo-Ekiti and Esun-Ekiti, and the Ekiti State council of Obas and Chiefs.
He described the attack as a deliberate act to challenge the security capacity of Nigeria and called on the state and federal governments to ensure a thorough investigation and justice for the victims.
The statement read, “Assassinating traditional rulers in cold blood! This is absolutely unacceptable to us. If this could happen to the traditional rulers, what would then become hopes for their common subjects who look up to them for local security interventions?
“This is pure sacrilege and it is a deliberate display of criminal audacity to undermine the government’s security control capacity. This reprehensible act has not only robbed us of noble leaders but has also left a scar on the fabric of our unity and peaceful coexistence as a Nation. Government must stop at nothing to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and made to face justice.”
The Ooni further stressed the urgent need for the establishment of community policing to address the rising cases of killings and kidnappings across the country, including those of traditional rulers and school children.
He maintained that community policing would improve intelligence gathering, deter criminal activities, and enhance the safety of Nigerians.
The statement added, “We cannot continue like this. Several of our school children are still languishing in the undetected incarceration of these heartless terrorists. A party state chairman in Lagos state was a victim recently. What about the recently abducted school children in Ekiti state? Six sisters in Abuja not too long ago with one of them killed. Similar cases across the country. Who is safe in this country again? Enough is enough.
“The time should not be later than now for Government both at states and Federal levels to show practical capacity in the area of security management and operations. The traditional rulers in Nigeria must be motivated with statutory community policing policy needed to work officially with government as we remain the closest leaders to the people. We know the traditional techniques to get rid of all these unfortunate situations. We are no cowards and we are ready to rise to the occasion defending our traditional land. Get us statutorily involved and see that what we inherited from our respective ancestors are still intact and real.”
The Ooni also underscored the vulnerability of citizens and the imperative for government action at both state and federal levels to demonstrate effective security management.
He advocated for the involvement of traditional rulers in security efforts, leveraging their proximity to the communities and knowledge of traditional security measures.
The statement continued “We traditional Rulers in Yorubaland and Nigeria at large commiserate and sympathise with families of the affected traditional rulers. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ekiti State during this trying time and with all our subjects across the country who have been victims of terrorist killings and kidnappings.”
“May the souls of the departed Monarchs rest in peace, and may their families find strength and solace in these difficult times.Community Policing Is The Only Solution!!!”.