Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has advised eminent persons, including traditional rulers, captains of industry and politicians in the state not to shield or spare criminals.
Ajimobi said that instead of shadowing or sparing such people for personal or selfish reasons, they should expose them in the interest of the state and the general public in order to rid the state of criminal activities.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, made this known in Ibadan, the state capital during the inauguration of the state Eminent Persons Forum at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele.
He said that most of the eminent persons, not only in the state, were the ones who usually picked their phones to call security agencies to release their “boys for personal reasons,” when such persons were arrested.
Ajimobi said, “Let us protect the welfare of the police. In some circumstances, they also have to save their lives. It is the responsibility of all of us to expose the criminals we know.”
He assured the police of the continued support of the government in a bid to tackle crime in the state.
“I want to assure you that Oyo state government will continue to support the police so that we can have peace in the state,” he said.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Adegbuyi said that the forum was in line with the directive of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris to state police commands to constitute Eminent Persons Forum in their respective states across the federation.
Adegbuyi said, “Eminent Persons Forum, as the name implies, is an assemblage of very eminent personalities who, in their individual capacities, are opinion moulders with influence in their various areas of human endeavours.
“In this category are top government functionaries, retired justices, senior military and police officers, traditional rulers, chiefs, school administrators, labour union leaders, transport union leaders, lawyers, reputable journalists, religious leaders, leadership of farmers and herdsmen, market leaders and other prominent persons.
“It is expected to serve as an intervention forum saddled with the responsibilities of control, management and resolution of crises/conflicts and taking measures to prevent crimes through the instrumentality of alternative dispute resolution as a veritable tool for maintenance of peace, unity and law and order in their communities,” he said.
Adegbuyi added that two or three additional area commands would be added to the existing four area commands in line with the efforts of the command to ensure security of lives and property in the state.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Emilolorun Ayelari, called for improved welfare package for police officers.
In attendance at the meeting were the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, High Chief Oyewole Foko, who led the Olubadan-in-Council, Baale of Ekotede, Chief Taiwo Ayorinde and Chief Olapade Agoro.
Others included representatives of various groups, religious groups, Igbo General Assembly, Hausa and Fulani communities, traditional rulers, market women, farmers association, among others.
