On Ikare, We Stand by Our Decision
The crisis in Ikare-Akoko has resulted in loss of lives, livelihoods, and property. Such breaches and threat to peace, and security will NOT be tolerated. The fundamental function of government is the preservation of law and order. We take our responsibilities seriously, that is why the Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON has taken the necessary steps, to restore order to Ikare without fear or favor.
We know that it is within the rights of citizens to feel angry, frustrated or displeased by the acts of their fellow citizens or government. However, the right to feel angry does not include the right to act angry, or recourse to irrational, destructive violence.
When such acts occur, the government of Ondo State will use every means within the law to restore order. That is non-negotiable.
It is preposterous to accuse the Governor, and, or the Amotekun Commander of bias because they refused to allow retaliation, reprisals and mass slaughter. In the words of those who seek to cause mayhem, as published in an online medium; “They insisted that the curfew imposed by the government to stop retaliation from Ikare people…” Arakunrin, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria understands, that the right to personal security is elemental to life and peaceful coexistence.
He acted within his power. No weapon of Amotekun weapon was used in Ikare and the Amotekun Commander is not from the local government. We reiterate that the court of law is the appropriate place for citizens to air their grievances and seek redress.
No one has the right to take the law in their own hands. Any, and all acts of violence will be met with force. We thank law abiding Ikare residents for their cooperation.
We warn those who are intent in fomenting trouble to know that the government has spoken on the Ikare crisis. Further escalation will attract arrest and dire consequences.
Signed:
Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
Ikare-Akoko: Ondo Govt Relaxes Curfew, threatens two monarchs
The Ondo State Government has relaxed the 24 hours curfew earlier imposed on Ikare- Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of the State.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, who briefed Journalists after the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, disclosed that government has made further decision to relax the curfew from 6pm to 6am
According to her, the two Obas are sternly warned to comport themselves in line with government decisions, stressing that anything to the contrary may lead to the concerned Kabiyesi being banished.
The government spokesperson informed that a 5-member committee has also been set up to look into the crisis in Ikare and recommend solutions on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.
The committee members include Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa as the Chairman, Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba as member, Dr Tunji Abayomi as member, Mrs Oreoluwa Agbayewa member and Mr. Joseph Dele Adesanmi as Secretary
“This press briefing is about the crisis in Ikare Akoko. The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit and it will be in effect from 6am to 6pm.
“The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale. The Council also decided to look into the history of Okoja that is the bone of contention between the two Obas.
“The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into. From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owa-Ale and Olukare. All minor chiefs installed by the Olokojas should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences”, the commissioner said.
