Security Threat in Oyo State: Lagos PDP Chairman calls for Caution.

The Chairman People’s Democratic Party Lagos State Chapter, Engr Adedeji Doherty has called on the Gov Seyi Makinde led Oyo State Government to wade into Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo aka Sunday Ighoho led “fight” against Fulani Herdsmen in Oyo State with restraint and caution.

You would recall that Sunday Ighoho recently stormed Ibarapa area of Oyo State issuing a “quit notice” to the Herdsmen who he alleged are the kidnappers and criminals terrorising the area.

He consequently went back at the expiration of the said “quit notice” to chase away the Herdsmen.

He was reported to have said “This one we have started in Oyo State will not end here. We are going to other parts of the SouthWest”.

However, in a counter action, Governor Seyi Makinde issued a statement directing security agencies in the state to treat anyone threatening the peace of the state as a criminal. He also ordered the arrest of Sunday Ighoho.

Engr Doherty, however issued a statement, advising the Oyo State Governor to allow traditional leaders to include, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III amongst other and Yoruba elderstates men like Chief Reuben Fasoranti, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Justice Afe Babalola, Prof Wole Soyinka amongst others step into the matter.

He reiterated that, if the issue is not well handled with maturity and caution, it could degenerate, spilling into Ogun, Osun and Lagos State at anytime and invariably consume the entire SouthWest.

He pleaded with the Governor, not to take hasty decisions, but that he should endeavor to set up a Peace, Truth and Reconciliation Panel that would be made up of members of both the Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani Communities in the State.

The Lagos State Chairman stated that he lived in Ibadan for well over 30years and he is well aware of the peace loving nature of the Hausa Community in Ibadan especially in Sabo area of the state.

He however advised Governor Makinde to withdraw the arrest order issued on Sunday Ighoho, while peace moves are being initiated.

The Chairman implored Gov Seyi Makinde to remember the Yoruba adages which say:

• “Ti ina ba joni, jo omo eni, t’ara eni la ma ko wo”
• Aki gba akata lowo akiti, aki gba ile baba eni lowo eni”
• “Ile sanmi dun j’oye lo”
  He says all these adages are pointers to the fact that the sanctity of our land is sacrosanct, hence adequate caution is required.