By Gbenga Sodeinde
The Yoruba social-cultural group, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has thrown it weight behind the current move by Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) to put an end to cultism, killing and other forms of criminality in Ondo State.
Ondo State chapter of the security intervention group, in particular, hailed Governor Akeredolu instant and rapid response to the recent violent clash between OPC and some notorious cultists and blood mongers in Owo, hometown of the Governor.
In a statement by the state chapter of OPC, on Wednesday, and signed by it acting coordinator, Comrade Nafiu Sarafa, the group noted that the strong warning and marching order given by Governor Akeredolu in his statewide broadcast last Thursday, against cultism and criminality has gone a long way to return peace not only to Owo town, but to every hooks and crannies of the state.
Sarafa also send a Thank You message to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III and the entire Olowo-in-Council for taken pragmatic steps to end cultism, arson, killing and violent activities of trouble makers in Owo and it environ.
The statement reads: “As a formidable Yoruba security intervention group led by the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams, we, members of OPC in Ondo State wish to express our profound gratitude to Your Excellency for taking the security of lives and properties of our people seriously; with total commitment and cogent action to stop further attacks, killings, banditry and violent clashes among the people of Ondo state and the entire Southwest region.
“A message of love, brotherliness and solidarity from our national coordinator and the Aare Onakakanfo, Iba Gani Adams, a great and proud son of the state; also wish Your Excellency more wisdom, knowledge, understanding, native intelligent, protection and courage from Olodumare, our creator and, Oduduwa our progenitor for successful and peaceful tenure as a leader of his people.
“We equally extend our appreciation to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye and the entire Olowo-in-Council for the traditional cleansing and fortification of Owo land against cultism, killing, bloodletting and arson. Long may you live, Forever may you reign, Ologho!”
“We are not forgetting the contributions and commitments of both the senior special assistant to the Governor on Security Matters (SSA Security), Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo and the State Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Chief Olatunji Adeleye as they put their lives on line for peace to return to the state.”
Comrade Sarafa however, urged the Governor to increase the slot of OPC in the composition of the State Security outfit, Amotekun, stressing that the group is ready to fully cooperate with all security agents and will not leave any stone unturned to wipe out crime and criminality and maintain peace in all parts of Ondo State.