Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has ordered tighter security measures around government structures in Osun State to prevent suspected Yoruba Nation activists from taking over reigns of governance in the state.
The governor gave the security directive following the invasion of the Secretariat of Oyo State Government last weekend by suspected members of the self-determination group.
During the attack, at least three persons suspected to be members of the group were killed by security agents while some others were also arrested.
Members of the self-determination group were killed during a confrontation with security operatives at the State Secretariat while making attempts to seize the state government’s office.
In a move to forestall a repeat of the Ibadan incident, Adeleke directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Samuel Ojo to ensure immediate mobilization of joint security teams to secure the State Government Secretariat, the Government House, and other strategic government buildings including the headquarters of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation.
A statement by Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the Governor, noted that in line with the governor’s directive, security men and women were deployed to identify locations on Saturday to ensure the Oyo State incident is not repeated in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
“Governor Adeleke while issuing the directive called for rededication to the ideals of a united Nigeria with ongoing constitutional amendments to ensure a truly federal system in Nigeria.
“He urged agitators to join the crusade for the reform of the federal system to ensure adjustments that give the states more autonomy and responsibilities.
“According to the Governor, Nigerian problems can only be resolved by dialogue within the constitutional framework, citing ongoing constitutional amendments that are restoring more powers to the states.
“He cited the movement of railways and electricity from exclusive to concurrent legislative list, noting that even the United States of America is still reforming her federal system.
“I associate with my brother, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. I urge the agitators to sheath their swords. We must continue to try to realize the Nigeria of our dreams.
“We must support President Tinubu as he drives the federal reform efforts. We have a duty to stand by Mr. President in the realization of this difficult national assignment,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.
