Owo Massacre: Yorubaland Can’t Be Overrun, Says Ooni

 

• Decries Nigerians Vulnerability

Sodiq Yusuf

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that Yorubaland cannot be overrun, warning that any group planning to destabilise the South-West should desist from such plot immediately. 

According to the Arole Oodua, the Yorubas have the capacity to defend themselves even though they are peace loving.

Ooni stated this in the wake of the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, Ondo State, on Sunday, by some gunmen. 

Oba Ogunwusi who condemned the ‘barbaric attack’, described it as a gruesome massacre dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland to a war zone.

In a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, Oba Ogunwusi decried the vulnerability of Nigerians, especially the poor who he said are often victims of violent attacks. 

He said: “We should all be reminded that Sunday, 6th of June, the day the Owo massacre happened, made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on Saturday night. Several houses, the palace of the Asigangan and a popular petroleum station were burnt in the attack when people were asleep. Exactly a year ago!”

Ooni who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), explained that there have been reports that some criminals are currently working to invade and wreck-havoc on Yorubaland like the one that just happened in Owo. 

The Arole Oodua decried lack of intelligence gathering on the part of Nigerian security agencies.

He stated: “When calamities like this befalls us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.

“However, we the descendants of Oduduwa cannot be overrun in our own home as we are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against external invaders. 

“Rather than discouraging us, this will rather strengthen us especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology towards the protection of lives and property.

“The six governors across the South-West region and their brothers nationwide as well as President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government should live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians and ensuring safety for the citizenry.”

Ooni however commiserated with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the entire Owo kingdom, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State Government, the people of Owo, the Priest and parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo, families of all the victims, and the entire people of Ondo State over the tragic and senseless killings.