Following the rising spate of insecurity being witnessed in recent times in different parts of Yoruba land, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III has written an open letter to President Muhamammadu Buhari urging him to take swift actions to curb the scourge of insecurity.
In the letter, the monarch expressed confidence in the President’s competence to lead the country to the promised land but noted that in recent times, the security situation in the South-West geopolitical zone is getting worrisome.
He said, “My confidence had always been based on Your Excellency’s ability, fitness and competence in leading the country to the Promised Land, where Law and Order prevail, individual liberty is guaranteed, economic well-being of the citizens is assured.
“That my confidence in Your Excellency remains unshaken to date. In recent time however, I am worried about the security situation in the country, especially in the South West geo-political zone, and the entire Yoruba-speaking area of the country including Kwara, Kogi and Edo states”, he said.
The monarch expressed fears bothering on the incessant and increasing menace of Fulani herdsmen that have laid siege in almost all the highways of Yoruba land, from Owo, Akure, Ilesa/Ife-Ibadan road or Ibarapa zone and Ijebu area of Ogun state.
Alaafin also pointed out the fact that due to the security situation, the Yorubas have taken alternative measures to protect themselves.
He said, “It is at the wake of this manifest frustration of our people that our people have found it unavoidable, even though reluctantly to resort to alternative measures to safeguard their lives and property.
The First class king noted that what is being witnessed in Yoruba land is different from the petty clashes between farmers and herders in time past.
He said he took proactive steps to stem the tide and to amicably normalize relations between farmers and herders when the crisis just started adding that he succeeded because they were dealing with genuine farmers and herders who had a commitment to Nigeria and who were interested in promoting their economic activities in a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.
The Alaafin averred that it is not merely infraction in the course of doing business, but blatant and criminal violation of the constitutional right to life and liberty of innocent citizens of Yoruba land.
He however noted that despite the security challenges, the Yorubas have remained peaceful and cooperative with the government and urged the President to take quick measures to tackle the menace called insecurity.
Oba Adeyemi appealed to the President to take urgent steps and quickly respond to these and other issues concerning Yoruba land.
The Monarch declared that there is a growing feeling of frustration, disappointment and despondency among Yoruba people, which if not immediately addressed, could lead to other serious national catastrophes and security challenges.
“The present state of insecurity is posing enormous challenges to people’s engagements in other economic activities. The incessant and increasing menace on our highways and farms in Yoruba land is making farming and other economic activities hazardous and dangerous”, he said.
The Monarch further added that the Yorubas, traditionally have what it takes to defend themselves against all enemy attacks but noted that such traditional self help mechanisms could conflict with the legal and constitutional framework of the security agencies.
