Prosecute those assaulting, kidnapping our colleagues, Ondo monarchs urge police

Following the recent assault on the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo by some thugs in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, traditional rulers in the state have urged the police to prosecute those behind the assault.The monarchs, under the auspices of 130 Crowns Club, described the attack as an abomination and indication that government no longer treats the royal stool with esteem. They lamented the failure of security agencies to arrest and prosecute the thugs who assaulted Odidiomo and inflicted him with serious bodily injury, saying it was highly downgrading for the monarchs.

According to them, the leader of the suspected hoodlums, one Iwatan and his gang members were still walking freely in the state after they had been allegedly identified to be responsible for the attack. Iwatan was allegedly accused of leading some suspected hoodlums to attack the monarch where he was having a meeting in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Council two weeks ago.

But the Ondo State police command said it had arrested two of the suspects while Iwatan, who was at large, has been declared wanted by the force.Speaking on behalf of the 130 Crown Obas, the president, Oba Olusegun Akinbola, the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre, condemned the noncommittal attitude of the police and state government on the matter.

Akinbola alleged that the authorities were shielding the thugs and their sponsors, adding that security operatives should always do the needful at the right time to prevent people from taking laws into their own hands.

Similarly, the president, who addressed journalists in his palace yesterday, expressed displeasure over the delay in convicting suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Oniyani of Iyani-Akoko, Oba Joel Daodu few months ago. He noted that continuous attacks on royal fathers were a great indication that government had failed in protecting her citizenry.

The monarch urged the state government to collaborate with security agencies in providing adequate security for them and in their various palaces to prevent kidnapping, attacks and assault. Oba Akinbola said the roles of traditional rulers in ensuring peace and tranquility in the country at large should be enhanced by constitutionally empowering monarchs to do their communal duties.

Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, confirmed that two of the suspects whom he refused to disclose their identities for security reasons, had been arrested.

Joseph added that Iwatan and others were still at large, but assured that the police would not relent in their efforts to arrest them and prosecute them accordingly.