In a bid to combat the rising menace of cultism and criminal activities in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced his administration’s intention to pass a law prescribing the death penalty for those involved in such activities.
Speaking at a meeting with the Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, and his chiefs at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu, Governor Abiodun expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and disruption of peace in Sagamu and its surrounding areas. He vowed that his government would take decisive action to bring an end to the scourge.
Governor Abiodun stated, “I want to sympathize with the good and law-abiding citizens of Sagamu and, of course, our revered paramount ruler and the kabiyesis and all those who have lost loved ones. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we bring any person directly, indirectly, or remotely responsible for these occurrences to book.”
He further emphasized his commitment to imposing severe penalties on those involved in cultism, saying, “It is well within my powers as the governor of this State to pronounce the death penalty on people, and we are going to ensure that we enact that because when people appreciate and understand the consequences of their behaviors, perhaps they will begin to have a rethink.”
Governor Abiodun also announced that key law enforcement officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Service (DSS), the Commander of the Civil Defence, and the AMOTEKUN Commander, would relocate to Sagamu to intensify security efforts.
He warned landlords who unknowingly accommodate criminals, saying, “The last time I came here, I said any house that we arrest anybody that is connected to either cultism or kidnapping, we will find out where they live and demolish that house.”
Governor Abiodun concluded by emphasizing that his government would not tolerate any form of sentiment, as the criminal activities of these groups were undermining the state’s development and prosperity.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, echoed these concerns and called for the deployment of mobile police and military formations in the area to maintain law and order.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Assistant Inspector General of Police Olusola Subair (rtd), and Consultant on Security, retired Commissioner for Police Awolowo Ajogun, revealed that the recent violence in Sagamu stemmed from a dispute over the sharing of proceeds from a land transaction. They reported eight fatalities and nine individuals arrested in connection with the incident, who are currently under investigation.
