Following heightened ethnic tension in Ondo State and other states in the South-West, the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Ọba (Dr) Victor Ademefun Adenrele Adesimbo Kiladejo CFR Jilo III, has called for synergy among indigenes and non-indigenes.
The traditional ruler called for collaborative effort to check the tide of insecurity in his kingdom and the state in general.
Dr Kiladejo gave this charge on Monday during a meeting with heads of Ondo East and West Local Governments as well as the Séríkí of Fulani.
The meeting, which was held at the monarch’s palace, also had in attendance Ondo West Local Government Chairman, Hon. AkInsulire Ayodeji Ebenezer, his deputy, Hon. Akintunde John Folajimi (Jimiok), His Royal Highness, Oba Akinmusire S. A, the Oludoko of Udoko in Ondo Kingdom, High Chiefs, security experts, youth groups, Hausa/Fulani leaders, Igbo leaders among others.
“In order to stem the tide of security challenges being witnessed in recent times and also to prevent the incursion of marauders in and around Ondo Kingdom, the Osemawe in – Council in collaboration with Ondo East and West Local Governments convened a security meeting with non – Indigenes resident in Ondo Kingdom today,” a statement by Oyedele Abiodun, Director on Media and Publicity to the Chairman, Ondo West, said.
“The meeting was held at the Osemawe’s Palace and all concerned security reports were clinically analyzed for possible solutions.
“The Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Ọba (Dr) Victor Ademefun Adenrele Adesimbo Kiladejo CFR Jilo III who presided over the meeting gave a stern order to the Seriki Abdusalam (Hausa and Fulani leader in Ondo Kingdom) not to hesitate to alert the Palace, Police or Government immediately they notice marauders/strange herdsmen in their midst”.
On his part, the Séríkí assured Ondo community that his people will continue to be the law abiding residents that they are and will also cooperate with the community in ensuring that adequate security of life and property is provided at all times.
In his speech, Hon. Ebenezer thanked the Osemawe for convening this timely security stakeholders meeting to awaken the consciousness of everybody towards the security situations in Ondo Kingdom in reflection of current security situations in Nigeria.
The Ondo West Council boss highlighted several feats his administration has been able to achieve in terms of synergy with Amotekun Corps, Nigerian Police and other security agencies since he assumed office.
“Security of lives and property is the number one priority of every serious government because it is when there is peace that we can be thinking of development.
“Ondo West Local Government has since been working closely with the Non – Indigenes resident in Ondo West most importantly Hausa/Fulani and our engagement has been robust so far in ensuring there is constant peaceful atmosphere in Ondo community”. Hon. Ebenezer stated.
His counterpart in Ondo East, Hon. Akinkuotu Wale Little charged the Seriki to religiously profile the Fulani Herders in various communities in Ondo East to avoid infiltration of marauders/herdsmen into their midst.
Ẹnu Ọwá Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Funbi Fagun DPO and the Ondo West Amotekun Corps Commander have assured Ondo community of their continued efforts in protecting the Kingdom through their working synergy with one another.
All other contributions were tailored towards achieving the crime-free Ondo Kingdom.
