By Bukola Badmus
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and other prominent Yoruba Obas proffered solutions to the prevailing security challenges in Yoruba land.
No fewer than 200 traditional rulers were also in attendance at the summit.
Oba Adeyeye, who convened the Yoruba Security Summit held at the Ife Grand Resorts, Ojaja Arena, in Ile Ife, Osun state, said the unity of all the traditional rulers in Yoruba land is key to the success of the region.
Oba Adeyeye stated also that the security challenges in Yoruba land can be tackled with measures and approach that are capable of putting an end to the scourge in Yoruba land.
“We are concerned about the prevailing security challenges in Yoruba land and that is the reason for this security summit.All Yoruba Obas are united on this and I am sure we will salvage the situation in no long time.
Meanwhile, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, who was one of the keynote speakers,with the theme: Kidnapping and Banditry: “Overcoming the twin menace and the Yoruba legacy of African Science, Yesterday, today and tomorrow,” said he was deeply concerned about the protracted security deficit in Yoruba land.
Iba Adams insisted that his concern formed part of the issues raised during his visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in January that eventually led to the Yoruba security summit.
The Yoruba generalissimo also stressed the need for cooperation from South-West monarchs in tackling insecurity in the region, adding that parliamentary system of government remains the best option that could help in restoring the respect and dignity of Yoruba Obas.
“This summit is a welcome development, I implore Yoruba traditional rulers to put pressure on the state governors in the region to engage local security groups to succeed in the fight against Bandits and Kidnappings in all the forests across Yorubaland.”
“We must also collectively make case for true federalism where proper federal structure with adequate security measures would be put in place to allow for effective and adequate policing of the region.”
“I have assembled 13 different security outfits under the aegies of South West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG).The group include the three Agbekoyas, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) the three Vigilante groups,COMSAIC and Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye among others are ready to secure our land and give us the needed synergy to combat the spate of insecurity across the south west region.”
“As far as I am concerned,it is no doubt that parliamentary system of government remains the best option for us to address the security challenges and also allow for proper recognition of the Yoruba traditional rulers.”
Deji of Akure,Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi said it is important for the traditional rulers to protect themselves using the traditional means.He added also that it is very important for the traditional rulers to protect their subjects.
“We need to look inwards in our attempt to secure our communities that is the best way to go.”
Meanwhile, the Olowo of Owo,Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, said the best way to solve all the security challenges in Yoruba land is to restructure the country, adding that true federalism would take care of all the security challenges.
“Let us go back to restructuring as it is the best way to tackle both our security and economic challenges.”
“As traditional rulers,we need to be aggressive in promoting our culture and tradition. In Owo,for instance, we stick to our tradition.We will not allow the government to denigrate our tradition and that has been keeping us on top of the situation.”
Former Inspector General of Police Dr.Solomo Arase said there is a need for proper understanding on the best way to tackle the twin menace of Banditry and kidnapping.
He said there is need for proper surveillance, adding that anybody that bears arm without proper licensing would definitely bear the consequences under the law.
Prominent traditionalist, Pa Ifayemi Elebuibon also urged the traditional rulers to always observe the rites before taking up the position of an Oba.
He added that any Oba who is disinterested in Yoruba culture and custom should abdicate his throne for anyone who is deeply versed and interested in Yoruba traditions.
At the end of the summit, all the traditional rulers later came out with a Communique that was read by the chairman, security summit planning committee; Prof. Siyan Oyeweso.
Other traditional rulers that spoke at the event include the Osemawe of Ondo, Alayeluwa Oba Victor Kiladejo, Akarigbo of Remoland, Olowu of Owu, Oludo of Ido-Osun, Aragbiji of Iragbiji among others.
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