Ondo Monarch Seeks Government Protection Over Hoodlum Attacks

An appeal has gone to the Ondo State Government over the invasion and destruction of the Palace of the traditional ruler of Ayetoro Community, Ilaje local government area.

The appeal was made on Sunday by the traditional ruler and spiritual head of the community, Oba Micah Ajijo.

The monarch raised the alarm over the invasion and destruction of his palace by some hoodlums.

Ajijo, who is the Ogeloyinbo of the community, alleged over the weekend that property worth millions of naira was destroyed during the siege on his palace.

According to him, the move was an attempt to abduct, kill, and forcibly remove him from the throne by some members of the community.

While lamenting the fate that has befallen him, Oba Ajijo in a letter addressed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the development identified a self-styled prophet in the community as the brains behind his travail.

The monarch who recalled that his predicament started shortly after he ascended the throne, demanded an urgent mobilisation of a joint task force for the Ayetoro community to maintain law and order.

“On March 3, 2023, the gangsters destroyed two houses built very close to the palace belonging to Mr Tokunbo Olasile and Rev Iwasanmi Ajijo and the persons reported the destruction to the police authorities in Igbokoda, while the DPO expressed his helplessness in effecting the arrest of the suspects because of the terrain of the community.

“The Okitipupa Area Commander, Chairman of Ilaje local government and the Officer in Charge of 19 Battalion, Army Barracks, Okitipupa were subsequently alerted on the attack and destruction and they visited and confirmed the aforesaid criminal activities on March 5, 2023.

“As soon as the officers left, they (the hoodlums) again swooped on the Ogeloyinbo’s palace and destroyed the palace building.”

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has set up a reconciliation committee to look into the frequent crises occasioned by the leadership tussle and the oil spill compensation paid to the Ayetoro Community.

A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde on Sunday stated that the constitution of the committee was aimed at finding lasting peace to the ravaging crisis in the community.

The committee has Dr Olawunmi Ilawole as the Chairman; Afolabi Aboyewa as a member and Uguoji Justice as Secretary.

“The committee’s terms of reference include but are not limited to investigating the remote and immediate cause of the disagreement, determining and working out an amicable resolution on the oil spill compensation, to recommend appropriate strategies that will bring about lasting peace and development in the community and unite warring factions and any other recommendations that the committee deemed appropriate to ensure peace in the community.”

The committee has three weeks to complete its assignment and report to the governor.