The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said the insecurity crisis plaguing the northern region and other parts of the country would have spread to the Southwest states but for the constant traditional intervention provided by the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC).
     
Speaking yesterday at his eighth-year installation as the Generalissimo of Yorubaland, Adams argued that the OPC has been actively involved in defending the territory through traditional intervention, an initiative he said is rooted in the tradition and culture of the Yoruba race.
 
His words: “If you look at the geo-political zones in Nigeria, it is only the Southwest that is partially peaceful, and this is through the traditional rites we regularly carry out.”
   
Adams noted that since his installation, he had strived to ensure peace and stability in the region, uniting the Yoruba race and propagating the culture and traditions of the ethnic nationality.

“Through the Olokun Foundation, we are promoting 35 festivals in a year. And in some of these festivals, there are those that we celebrate for seven or 21 days. We are doing all these without collecting a dime from any government purse,” he stated.
   
On the prevailing insecurity in the country, Adams believed that the situation is surmountable, urging the government to partner with the group.
 In his opening remarks, Chairman, Planning Committee for the anniversary, Amb. Olugbenga Onasanya described Adams as a pride of the Yorubaland, noting that he had impacted positively not only in fostering unity within the tribe, but also in promoting the culture and traditions that distinguish the Yoruba from other races.
 
President, Itsekiri Omoluabi Forum, Patrick Doyle, said the formation of the group was inspired by the Aare Ona Kakanfo for the indigents to key into the Yorubaness.

BUT a United Kingdom–based human rights lawyer, Niyi Aborisade, has raised serious concerns over the rising insecurity in Oyo, warning that it is fast losing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.

In a statement yesterday, Aborisade decried a growing wave of kidnappings, bandit attacks, and violent crimes, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to take urgent and decisive measures to safeguard life and property.

“For some time, Oyo State enjoyed relative peace and tranquility. Today, we can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. Residents now fear attending night vigils as kidnappings and violent attacks escalate,” he said.

Aborisade cited recent attacks on farms and parks where bandits reportedly killed rangers and farmers with minimal resistance. In a particularly alarming case, he said, criminals stormed a farm, kidnapped an Indian national, and killed a police officer stationed there before fleeing.

“These incidents are deeply unfortunate and signal that criminal elements are growing bolder in the state,” he added. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant also questioned the effectiveness of the surveillance drones recently procured by the state government to boost security operations. He stressed that, as Chief Security Officer of Oyo State, Makinde bears ultimate responsibility for the safety of citizens.