Killing of monarchs: Tinubu sends powerful message to Ekiti people
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condoled the Governor of Ekiti State and the people of the state over Monday’s attacks that led to the gruesome killing of two traditional rulers by armed men and the abduction of six school pupils and their teachers.
The president’s message was conveyed to the people of Esun-Ekiti and Imojo-Ekiti by Governor Oyebanji when he visited the two communities on Tuesday morning.
The governor, who also held an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies in the state very early in the morning, was accompanied on the visit by the security chiefs in the state.
Governor Oyebanji sympathised with the leaders and indigenes of the two communities, whom he addressed at their respective palaces during the visit.
Stressing that the two murdered monarchs were respected traditional rulers who had a record of selfless service to their respective towns, Oyebanji said the state government would collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that their killers pay dearly for the heinous crime.
“I can assure you that the deaths of these monarchs would not be in vain. The perpetrators would be apprehended and made to face the maximum punishment.
“The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, spoke with me from France and expressed his condolences to you as well as the government of the state. The President is with us on this and has given specific instructions to relevant authorities.
“He asked me to tell you that the perpetrators of the crime will not go unpunished. He gave assurance that security agencies would free the abducted school pupils.
“On our part, we shall collaborate with relevant agencies and traditional institutions to make the state too hot for criminals,” Oyebanji said.
Community leaders who spoke during the governor’s visit to Esun-Ekiti alleged that the killing of their monarch, Oba David Babtunde Ogunsola, might have been an assassination, following the manner of the gruesome murder.
They urged the governor to ensure that justice was served in the case, describing the late Oba as a great lover of his people who prioritised the security and development of his people.
Community leaders in Imojo-Ekiti hailed the governor for his timely response and the visit. They said the late monarch, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, championed the development of the town and was concerned about the safety of his people.
They also thanked Governor Oyebanji for his decision to take over the education and upbringing of the late monarch’s five young children, who were also present during the governor’s visit.
Governor Oyebanji, who later visited the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, at his palace in Ido-Ekiti, scheduled a major meeting with all traditional rulers for their council chamber in Ado-Ekiti for Wednesday morning.
