The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has condemned an attack, which led to the death of three Ekiti State monarchs. The monarchs were ambushed on Monday, January 30, while returning to their respective domains from a meeting in Oke Ako, Ekiti State.
In a statement released by his Director, Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, yesterday, the Ooni commiserated with families of the deceased, the people, the government, and the Ekiti State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
He admonished the Governor Abiodun Oyebanji-led government and President Bola Tinubu to expedite thorough investigations into the act and ensure the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.
“Assassinating traditional rulers in cold blood? This is absolutely unacceptable to us. If this could happen to the traditional rulers, what would become of their common subjects who look up to them for local security interventions?” he asked.
The Oba added: “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.”
Oba Ogunwusi also urged the Federal Government to prioritise the establishment of community policing across the nation. He said recent spate of killings and kidnappings of traditional rulers and school children highlights the urgent need for a robust, community-oriented security system.
According to him, “community policing, with local involvement, will be helpful to enhance intelligence gathering, deter criminal activities, and ensure the safety of Nigerians.”
