BY REBECCA AJANI
CHAIRMAN of the South West Governors Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has appealed to the Yorubas in Ibadan, Oyo State, and all residents to remain law abiding even in the face of provocation.
Akeredolu said while he understood the height of provocation in the light of recent happenings in Shasha, Ibadan, he, along with other South West Governors were against willful appropriation of laws into indigenes’ hands.
He spoke in a statement he personally signed on Saturday night, saying the governors noted “with deep concern, the most unfortunate and avoidable orgy of violence in Shasha, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.”
According to the Governor, the situation people from the South West are confronted with is most despicable and contends against the values they are known for.
He therefore appealed to Yorubas to sustain the values of not identifying with lawlessness, noting that this was not a sign of weakness but strength.
Akeredolu said, “As Governor of Ondo State who doubles as Chairman, South West Governors’ Forum, it becomes very compelling for me to address ALL RESIDENTS, in particular, the Yoruba speaking people of our dear region as regards recent happenings bordering on security.
“Without doubt, the situation we have found ourselves as a people is most despicable and contends violently against, and abhorrently at variance with the values and hospitality for which our people are known.
“We have been known for thoroughness. We have identified with legality over the centuries; and our ethos as a civilised breed of people are such that we do not identify with lawlessness, not even illegality.
“ln this regard, we urge all indigenes of the South West to sustain these values and enviable virtues by remaining law abiding. Our resolve in this direction is not a sign of weakenss; it is indeed, the strongest of all.”
He added, “ln particular, while I understand the height of provocation in the light of recent happenings as regards Shasha, Ibadan, I, alongside my other brother governors in the region are against willful appropriation of Laws into one’s hands.
“We do not support violence and in particular, brigandage, jungle justice and unnecessary self-help.
“We note with delight, the efforts of our brother Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who has taken very bold steps to stave off further escalation of the violence by imposing curfew in the affected areas.”
“He deserves every support in his avowed commitment towards peace and security in Oyo State. We shall all survive these times and live peacefully, once again in our lands,” Akeredolu stated.
