….Cautions against violent Obaship tussle in Emure town
By Editor
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has described the death of a 14-year old kidnap victim in Emure Ekiti, Faith Moses, whose throat was slit by suspected gunmen in the town last week, as painful and devastating to him.
Oyebanji said two suspects, had been nabbed by the police in connection with the murder, saying the strangers perpetrating such horrendous act in the town should be fished out and made to face the full weight of the law.
On the fierce tussle over Elemure stool in the community, Oyebanji denied the insinuation that the government was planning to impose a candidate, saying the current administration doesn’t meddle in the internal affairs and tradition of any town.
The Elemure’s royal seat, rated to be among the Pelupelu First Class traditional rulers and most coveted in Ekiti history, became vacant sequel to the demise of Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, a retired Police Commissioner, on May 31, 2023.
Oyebanji spoke on Wednesday, during a sympathy visit to the family of the deceased and the holding of a stakeholders’ meeting with the community on the installation of a new Elemure.
Addressing the town on the raging insecurity in the border community, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said those perpetrating the murderous act must be savouring internal collusion with the locals, which he said must be curbed.
Describing the spiralling cases of killing as frightening, Oyebanji urged the citizens to be vigilant, adding that the military post created along Emure-Eporo-Emure Ile was enough to checkmate the kidnappers along that border post with Ondo State, but regretted that this was being thwarted by internal collusion.
“Let me sympathise with you on the death of one of your citizens killed just of recent. I was saddened by the report of this killing. But I want you to be vigilant. There is no way some people can enter your town and start kidnapping and killings without some people feeding them with information.
“This government is empowering all the security agencies and the local hunters to make Ekiti safe. We are also working with other neighbouring states like Kwara, Ondo,Kogi and Osun States. The forest combing should be sustained and this should be done with the security agencies.
“But, warn your youth who are in the habit of colluding with external bodies to create atmosphere of insecurity. In fact, in most cases they are the one supplying information to these kidnappers. All these must stop. We will work hard to make you secure and you shouldn’t do anything that will frustrate our efforts”.
Speaking against the backdrop of division over Elemure stool, Oyebanji urged the Ruling House next to present a candidate for the exalted royal seat and the kingmakers to exhibit neutrality, honour and honesty in making the right and most acceptable candidate that will usher development into the town.
The Governor emphasized the expediency of regent, kingmakers and contestants refraining from actions that could stoke the ember of discord and division in the town, saying there was never a time his boss imposed anyone out of the eight traditional rulers that had installed under his leadership.
“Please, allow your kingmakers to begin the process. The Emure Chieftaincy Declaration showed that Ifa Consultation is important in the selection of Elemure and this shouldn’t be jettisoned, so that you can have acceptable traditional ruler.
Addressing the town on the matter increasing security in the area, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, assured that no effort will be spared to ensure that Ekiti is safe for all inhabitants under the current government.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti Command, Mr Joseph Eribo, said his men and officers would continue to mount concerted efforts in synergising with the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and operatives of the Agro Rangers in repelling these bandits.
Eribo, who commended Oyebanji for his efforts, said the community policing has become the most acceptable and conventional policing system globally, adding that his men will continue to partner all stakeholders in ensuring that those perpetrating evils in Ekiti are arrested and punished accordingly.
“Our strength is not in our number, but in the level of intelligence gathering that we are able to get. We need your assistance for the right information and in bush combing. If someone is living in your home, know his character and the right information about him and ascertain that he is not a criminal.
“Let me tell you this, the police can even help you to look into their profiles. The 1999 Constitution allows every citizen to move around, but this doesn’t mean that their influx should not be checked or they are well profiled. We are assuring you that we will improve on our efforts to provide security.
“I have directed that every border post should have a police checkpoint to ensure that those coming in and out are checked. We have an operational work plan that we are using. Most of these criminals are brought by the locals, so you need to look inwards as well”, the CP said .
Speaking for the community, Chief Michael Ajibola, Chief Samuel Ogundeji, Hon Kehinde Boluwade and Mr. Olu Okeya, appreciated the governor for showing concern, saying the town had been making request since the time of Governor Kayode Fayemi that the town should be manned with enough military posts.
They advocated consistent combing of the sprawling forest between Ekiti and Ondo States to ensure that those perpetrating kidnapping and killings are dislodged and arrested through concerted efforts of conventional security forces and recognized local hunters.
“Please, let us call your attention to the fact that we need more military posts in Emure Ekiti and we need more police personnel manning our police station in this town, we are current under-policed. Our town is vulnerable, because we share boundaries with many towns in Ondo State. We plead that this request is given expeditious approval.
“We beg the Commissioner of Police to liaise with his colleague in Ondo State, so that regular combing of this forest can be done silmulteanously, to dislodge these criminals and bring them to book”.
Dignitaries at the parley are: Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atibioke, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, Regent of Elemure, Betty Taiwo Oladimeji, kingmakers, community leaders, women groups, among others.
