By Timothy Agbor, Osogbo
Traditional rulers in Ijesaland have advised the Osun State Government to ban gold exploration in the state in the meantime to enable it to effectively tackle the security challenges in the gold rich communities.
The Obas also urged Governor Gboyega Oyetola to stay action on the issuance of land ownership certificates to foreigners in the gold mining communities, warning that continuing such a practice might aggravate the current insecurity in the state.
The monarchs gave these pieces of advice in a six-point communiqué issued at the end of a security meeting they held with other stakeholders in Ilesa. The meeting was facilitated by the representative of the Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi.
While presenting the communique, the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeniran Adeyemi, who is also the chairman, Ijesa-North Traditional Council, said the kings, as well as their subjects, were also prohibited from transferring landed property to Fulani and Hausa herdsmen pending the time when criminal elements would be ejected.
Oba Adeyemi also emphasised the need for adequate funding of the security agencies in the state, adding that community policing would yield positive result with healthy collaboration by the police, vigilance groups and local hunters.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Abiodun Ige, who was represented at the meeting by an Area Commander, Mr. Akingbade Adeyinka, reiterated the readiness of the command to ensure security across the state.
Senator Fadahunsi, who said that the meeting was targeted at addressing insecurity in the land, lauded the traditional rulers, local hunters and vigilance groups for their efforts.
He said, “As a Senator representing this district, it is part of my duties to ensure the security of lives and property of my constituents, hence the need for this security meeting.
“I want to appreciate the efforts of our traditional rulers, local hunters and vigilance groups in this fight against banditry and criminality in our communities. You should not relent in these efforts.”
