BY REBECCA AJANI
GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described the killing of a first class traditional ruler in the state, the Olufon of lfon, Oba Isreal Adewusi, as a heinous crime, which confirmed that the country was in a serious security crisis “beyond the ordinary.”
Ifon, the headquarters of the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, had been thrown into mourning on Thursday following the murder of Oba Adewusi by suspected kidnappers.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, confirmed the sad incident, saying, “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government hereby confirms the unfortunate incident around Elegbeka, Owo-Ifon road in Ondo State to be true. Truly, Ondo has lost a great one – a deep cut, too sad.
“This is a heinous crime, an incident which has, again, confirmed that we are, indeed, in a serious security crisis beyond the ordinary.
“Already, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has visited the affected area in company of the chief of staff, Olugbenga Ale; Head of Service, Dare Aragbaiye; Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dotun Owanikin; and his Information counterpart, Donald Ojogo.”
He said the state Chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, was also on the entourage of the Governor, as he led the State Government delegation to condole with the affected community.
The statement said, “All lives matter; but this is one too heavy and unbearable. It’s a sad day in Ondo State. Clearly, we are in a serious security crisis that requires extraordinary means.
“The security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, have already been directed to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime. On our part as a Government, we shall give whatever it takes to unravel this; these criminals who have brought this sad day on our State shall not go unpunished.”
The Governor said in deference to customs and traditions, the State Government would, advisedly, refrain from making public reference in statements or utterances in respect of the identity of the great loss.
“Nonetheless, without prejudice to ongoing efforts toward getting to the roots of this abominable crime, Government shall issue a formal and more detailed statement as dictated by tradition after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the affected community,” he stated.
