Adebayo Adenrele
…tasks security agencies to fish out killers
The lawmaker representing Ekiti North 1 Federal Constituency (Ikole/Oye), Hon. Akin Rotimi has mourned the death of the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Samuel Olatunji, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, who were gruesomely murdered by gunmen on Monday.
In a statement signed by the lawmaker, Hon. Rotimi expressed shock over the tragic incident, noting that it followed a protracted security crisis in the area, which include kidnappings, killings, and destruction of farmlands and property.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased and his constituency, he called on security personnel in the state to be on their toes by making sure that the perpetrators of the gruesome act are brought to book.
He wrote, “This evening, we received the tragic news of the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers in Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) federal constituency – the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oye Local Government, HRM Oba (Dr.) Samuel Olatunji, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti in Ikole Local Government, HRM Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, both in Ekiti State.
“The incident is reported to have happened between Oke-Ako and Ipao-Ekiti, where they were attacked while returning from a meeting.
“This sad development follows a protracted security crisis in the area, including kidnappings, killings, and destruction of farmlands and property that our people have experienced over the past years.
“The entire constituency has been thrown into mourning because of how dear we hold the two traditional rulers who were forces for community development, peace, and stability in their respective domains, and the state as a whole.
“I enjoyed a bosom relationship with the dear departed monarchs and had cause to engage them many times in the course of my duties.
“Shortly after I assumed office as the representative of the constituency in the House of Representatives, I remember how the late Onimojo presided over an engagement I had with the traditional rulers in Oye local government. He was extremely intelligent – an orator and historian who always spoke truth to power. Memories of his admonitions and prayers will always be cherished.
“Likewise, the late Elesun was one of the closest traditional rulers to me, on account of the close proximity of his domain, Esun Ekiti, to my hometown Odo-Ayedun.
“Ironically, as part of our efforts to address our security challenges, the provost of a prominent defence institution graciously deployed a team of experts to recce the entire constituency and engage stakeholders – the late Elesun was one of the persons engaged, and he provided crucial insights and advice.
“Only 4 days ago, I was joined by the late Elesun, as well as the Alaaye of Oke-Ayedun, HRM Oba Femi Aribisala, the Owa of Odo-Ayedun, HRM Oba (Dr.) Solomon Ajibade, and High Chief Ola Adeniyi, at a crucial meeting with the management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), where crucial issues relating to the university’s campuses in the Esun-Ayedun axis were deliberated extensively.
“This was my last encounter with the late Elesun, last Thursday. As he entered the vehicle when departing, he called out to me as though he had unfinished discussions, and I walked back to him. He held my hands and said, I am praying for you.
“I thanked him and bid him farewell. He later called to let me know he had arrived home, and expressed how excited he was at the prospects of the issues being addressed and the campus becoming fully operational. That would be our last call.
“The peace loving people of Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) local government will not forget this in a hurry. If our highly revered royal fathers can be so brutally cut down in our own land, what is the fate of our people? Enough is enough.
“We are calling on the security agencies to find sustainable solutions to the security challenges that have plagued our people for far too long, and negatively impacted lives and livelihoods.
“I welcome the assurances by the Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, that the development would be investigated in concert with the security agencies. I also add my voice to his appeal to our people to remain calm, and not take laws into their hands.
“I commiserate with the entire people of Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) federal constituency, especially the families of our late Kings who are now with our heavenly father, the King of kings, who they always put first in every engagement I had with them. We will miss them.”
